Power Outages and Telephone Service
The beginning of the hurricane season brings the possibility of summer storms which can be accompanied by power outages. All telephone service customers should be aware that during a major power outage:
- Traditional telephone service will be operational unless telephone lines have been damaged. Please note that cordless phones require electricity and will not work.
- Cell phones that are charged will work unless cell towers have been damaged. Consider purchasing a car charger since home cell phone chargers require electricity.
- Other Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone services will not work unless battery backup is available. VoIP is a technology that allows you to make voice calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a traditional phone line.
What to do to make sure you have phone service in the event of a power outage:
If you have landline telephone service in your home, make sure at least one of the phones is not cordless.
- If you have a cell phone, keep it charged and keep a cell phone charger in your car.
- If you have VoIP phone service, check with your service provider about whether or not battery backup is available in case of a power outage.
If you have any questions contact the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable, at Telecommunications Complaint or call 1-800-392-6066 or contact the Federal Communications Commission at FCC Complaint or 1-800-225-5322.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Telecommunications and Cable
2 South Station
Boston, MA 02110