Hi everyone,

This is my first post/question -- I just moved into a new apartment (not a newly constructed building), and I am hoping to subscribe to Verizon DSL (Rhode Island) without paying the $130 "Complete Jack Package."

The website shows that: "In order for your Internet modem to work, you must have wiring for local phone service and a jack installed in your home."

So here's what I'm confused about -- my questions:

- Do I really need to pay this fee? Or is there some way for me to verify myself that the jack is functional?

- Will plugging a phone into the phone jack on the wall be able to provide indication? i.e. If I hear a dial tone, does that mean I can just plug-in the DSL modem?

Thanks!

Don't you just hate Verizon, They are always so secretivr and don't provide any useful information.

There is a distance limitation. Pre-qualifying usually eliminates that.

The condition of the wiring cannot be guaranteed.

Apartments may create an unusual problem because you may not easily have access to the NID - which is a troubleshooting tool.

Dial tone is one thing, DSL is another. You can have either or both. e.g. DSL without a dial tone is possible

So, let's assume your getting a land line and DSL:

With the DSL modem off and DSL dervice on; phone line will function as a normal phone line.

With the DSL modem on and DSL service turned on and no filters installed you will hear static in the background which will go away when the modem is turned off.

If there is no steady LINK light, you don't have DSL service turned on.

You must use a filter for telephone device. You can plug an answering machine and phone into the same filter. The DSL modem must NOT be plugged into a filter. There can only be a maximum of 5 filters per line, otherwise a DSL splitter must be used.

Verizon should tell you when DSL is installed. You should get a link light. Filters can be pre-installed. e.g. Your prep for DSL would be install filters and the modem.

You need to have a link light to proceed. You may have to reset the modem by turning on and off power periodically until the service is established.

Now follow Verizon's activation process.

Thanks, KeepItSimpleStupid.

Right now, the only object I have available to test is a landline telephone to plug into the phone jack on the wall.

If I hear a dial tone when I plug the phone into the jack -- does that mean I can just order the self-installation kit, and therefore, save the $130 "complete jack package" setup fee?

But if I do not hear a dial tone when I plug the phone into the jack -- based on what you just wrote, not having dial tone does not necessarily mean there's no DSL, does this mean that I'll have to get a Verizon guy to come in and run tests (and I'll end up paying the $130)?

Also -- just to clarify -- I don't intend on getting a land line. Verizon has a "High speed internet WITHOUT Verizon home phone service" option for $20/month.

You won't have dial tone in this case and a phone is useless.

I bet there would be about 5 to 10 Volts DC on the line though instead of the 48 VDC off hook and 5 VDC on hook.

The standard trick would be order DSL self-install kit. If it doesn't work, connect modem to NID test jack.

DSL light - inside wiring problem (Service call - pay)
DSL light blinking - Verizon probem (Service call - free)

It's either going to work or not. If your not in any hurry then order the self-install kit. If it works - cool. If it doesn't - call.

The apartment complex makes it tough.

Work in this case means link light. If you have a link light, but it still doesn't work then call Verizon Technical support after doing the activation steps.