How to Install a Phone Line

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If you're installing a new telephone, upgrading equipment, or merely stretching the reach of your receiver, the necessary hardware is now available, at competitive prices, from a variety of retail sources.
If you're installing a new telephone, upgrading equipment, or merely stretching the reach of your receiver, the necessary hardware is now available, at competitive prices, from a variety of retail sources.
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Installing a phone involves nothing more than removing the block cover and matching the telephone cord leads by color with those on the terminals.
Installing a phone involves nothing more than removing the block cover and matching the telephone cord leads by color with those on the terminals.
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The installation is complete.
The installation is complete.
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Replace the cover.
Replace the cover.
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Then, replace it with the modular unit by matching colors at terminals.
Then, replace it with the modular unit by matching colors at terminals.
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Fasten the new cover.
Fasten the new cover.
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To convert to a modular plug, first remove the old cover.
To convert to a modular plug, first remove the old cover.
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Plug in!
Plug in!

On January 1, 1984, Bell Telephone (dear old Ma Bell) ceased to exist. Taking its place is an array of smaller companies that serve particular regions . . . in much the same fashion as was done back in the early days of “wired” communication. And, for all of us phone users, this breakup has several important consequences.

For one, we’re nearly being forced to buy our own telephones. Oh sure, the old leasing arrangements are still being offered by AT&T, but the company seems to be doing its best to discourage such contracts by pricing them out of the market.

In fact, you don’t have to use involved mathematics to figure out that you can pay for the retail price of a new phone with a little more than one year’s worth of rental fees. Fortunately for those of us who are willing to purchase and learn how to install a phone, this new deal can be a real windfall. You see, for the first time, we’ll be getting phone bills that don’t include leasing fees. 

Hidden Charges

However, should you decide to buy your own phone and let the experts do the installation, you’ll likely be in for a bit of a surprise. Beyond the standard hookup fee–which has always been around and will continue–“Son” or “Daughter” Bell is now permitted to charge you for coming into your home to wire or plug your telephone into the company’s connection box.

  • Published on Mar 1, 1984
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