[curly top]

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

[John_W]

...

[SGR720]

Originally Posted by curly top

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.

[CWGUY]

Originally Posted by curly top

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

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.

[John_W]

Originally Posted by CWGUY

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 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.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by John_W

I've have Century Link for phone and internet for ten years this coming July. I've only had one outage in all that time. They have pages for Residential and Commercial. Go to the Residential pages and look for help or troubleshooting.

If I have a problem with most anything, I don't even call, I use the messaging on most websites. Start with this page.

CenturyLink Repair

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.

[smurphy]

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.

[John_W]

....

[Sandy and Ed]

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.

[thevillagernie]

HELLO,...try verizon

[rgoosman]

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]

Originally Posted by curly top

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

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

[tuccillo]

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.

Originally Posted by John_W

I'm going to be forced to do that, because AT&T said by early 2022 my flip flop will no longer work on their network since it's not 5G. I only need one phone, I rather not spend more than $25 a month. I think Consumer Cellular has a senior plan in that range, I'm just seeing what phone I need to buy.

Also I believe Consumer Cellular has a home base phone setup, where you can still use your home phone system with their phones. I've never been without a home phone in my life, I don't like talking on a cellphone, which is one reason I've stayed away other than a flip phone. This is what they have, I'll have to check it into more.

[Girlcopper]

Originally Posted by curly top

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

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

[lakesg]

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.