Problem with century link phone service
 

Have been trying for a month now to get someone at Centurylink to help us with our outgoing long distance service. About a month ago we noticed when trying to make an outgoing call outside our local area code we are being told that we must first dial an access code. We never were given one nor want one.
When I try calling them the technicians claim they only handle internet and try to transfer me to phone service area however I never get anyone.
Has anyone encountered the same problem? Have you found a number where you actually talk to a knowledgeable person?
Thank you

...

Have you tried adding 1 in front of the area code like you would with an 800 number? That's the only thing I've ever been asked to add when dialing long distance from my landline.

:ohdear: What does long distance cost on a landline these days? I haven't heard of anyone using a landline for long distance in years. I used to have a landline and internet with Century Link. Switched to fiber optics with them and dropped the landline. Bill went down and internet service got better. Don't miss the home phone at all..... it was unplugged most of the time because of the PIA calls. ALL calls are done on our cell phones. :)

I have a CL home phone, long distance is free and is unlimited, it's part of the monthly service. For a cellphone, I have an AT&T Go Phone, I get 1000 minutes a year for $100, that's it. I can't even use 100, so the past 8 years I've been with them, it keeps rolling over. I figured, anything I need the internet for, I'll just use my computer.

Dump them, go to target get Singular cellular and two cell phones two for 45 bucks month unlimited talk and text. Land lines are scammers dreams.

Is this your home or a rental?

We used to have our house phone through Comcast when we rented it out. The phone service account was set up so that toll and international calls were blocked. This way we did not have to deal with tenants running up phone bill and having to collect after they check out. CL probably has a similar service. Perhaps that is turned on for your phone.

You will have to contact CL and check with the billing dept to see if this is the cause.

....

I am old school, and had a land line. Notice I said “had”. Gave it up and went to Consumer Cellular. The cost is about $39 a month for two phones with different numbers. Long distance and data plan is included. You can also text. International might be more, but do not need that.

HELLO,...try verizon

There is an illegal action called phone slamming where your long distance carrier is switched without your knowledge. Look it up and watch for a big bill. The FCC is the contract authority.

Ohiobuckeye
 

Ohhh, an access code! Sounds like maybe they want to keep tabs on you & who you are calling. Something doesn’t sound right.

A little bit of clarification. In early 2022, AT&T is phasing out their 3G network so many older phones won’t work. You will not need a 5G phone, a 4G phone will work. For example, if you like Apple products, you would need an iPhone6 or newer. 4G networks should be supported for another 10 years.

I have century link and the access code is like all long distances. The number 1. If youre referring to something else, ok. But I have no issues

I have two friends in the UK. Both of their phone numbers are preceded with 011441. This must be an access code. My calls always go through.

If your home phone is listed separately, what do you pay? We have a CL land line for our alarm system and pay $56/month with 5 cents per minute for long distance which we never use. It is old "twisted pair" not VOIP.

Tnx, Skip

Can you email or message them?

Why aren't you using your cell phone. Eliminated dialing and long distance somewhat free.

Open up a complaint with the FCC.gov as I got help with Comcast.

Just dial 1+your number. 1-352-555-1212.

...

Terrible service, cancel them get someone else.
Use your cell phone for all calls,or make calls via internet, face time, or Duo, what's app, skype.

Sorry to hear CL customer service is not what it once was. In WA I have CL for my landline, and 100mbs DSL since 1989, never an issue. Also, unlimited long distance included in my plan. I won’t discuss the cost of my plan because it’s embarrassing since it’s probably more than some mortgage payments. In June I’ll be in TV and have to select a cable, internet and landline provider. I spoke to Tom from Villages Audio Visual and was pleased with out conversation. Day after closing I’ll have him set me up with a proper entertainment, smart house, cameras, internet and landline phone. I don’t care for VoIP so I’ll pass if not a traditional landline. I know many now use their cell phone as primary but you can’t beat the clarity of a traditional landline and I have at least one corded phone on an end table. When I talk to friends or family from home I always go with a corded phone on a landline. Cell phones are not at that level of clarity here in TV, yet. IMO.

Unless you are in one of the older areas of The Villages that are serviced by CenturyLink with plain old telephone service (copper wires), you will not have a “traditional landline”. All other areas serviced by CenturyLink with fiber to the house, Spectrum, or Comcast offer VoIP.

I use speaker phone on cell phone much easier than holding up to you’re ear.

All I got on landline was scam calls 10 to 15 times day. Now, I can take nap and not get woken up buy landline with I trained myself not to answer. Florida areas code are scammers paradise.

When I first moved up here from Orlando & had to use Century Link for my landline, I had the same problem you are encountering. It had nothing to do with using "1".
You need to contact them & tell them you need long distance service. They have to do something - as I recall it is in the wiring in the house - & then you will be fine. I love having free long distance & prefer my landline. I am not real happy using a so-called smart phone. I am old school but I am happy. The cost for CL is not outrageous at all.