University of Houston
Residential Life & Housing
4361 Wheeler St.
Oberholtzer Hall
Houston, Texas 77004
713.743.6000
Frequently Asked Telephone Questions
Why can I call out, but don't get any calls?
Why is my call-waiting not working?
Why does only one phone jack work?
Why do I hear static on the phone?
Why is my phone line busy when I'm not using it?
How do I forward my phone line?
Make sure your phone is properly connected to the telephone jack. Most rooms will have four jacks that your telephone cord will fit. The appropriate jack is usually the upper left most jack or labeled VOICE. Cougar Place residents may notice a single jack on a circular wall plate; do not use this jack. Check the other three jacks if your phone does not work in the VOICE jack. Inspect your telephone cord to make sure it is fully inserted in the phone jack and on your phone. Check for damage on the telephone cord. If your phone requires power, make sure that it is plugged in and turned on. There is only one phone line in each room, so only one of the jacks will be working.
Make sure you are using the phone line properly. Are you dialing the 5-digit extension? Are you dialing 9 to get an outside line, and then the 10 digit phone number? Are you trying to call long distance without using a calling card? If those don't apply, are you hearing a clicking noise when you dial? This may indicate that you are using pulse dialing instead of tone. Check your phone and make sure you are using tone.
Why can I call out, but don't get any calls?
Maybe no one is calling? Just kidding! Make sure your ringer is on and working properly. If you have messages on your answering machine, but don't hear any ringing, it's probably your ringer. Disable call forwarding (get dial tone and press # # 9) just in case it is on. Call your local help desk. They have a display and can verify your phone number. Sometimes you are given the wrong phone number to your room. Then you give your friends and family a wrong number!
Why is my call-waiting not working?
Call waiting only works when you are talking to someone off-campus. The next person that calls will get a busy signal, followed by music on hold. You will hear a beep when someone else is calling. If you are talking to someone on-campus, you will not hear the beep, even though you can click over to the other line to answer it.
Why does only one phone jack work?
There is nothing wrong then! Only one phone line is in each room.
Why do I hear static on the phone?
If you are using a cordless phone, make sure that you are within its normal operating range. Inspect the phone connections for any corrosion (green corrosion may build up on the phone jacks).
Why is my phone line busy when I'm not using it?
Two people may be calling at the same time. Are you using a computer modem? This would tie up your phone line. Are you experiencing static problems (the previous problem)? You may have corrosion build-up on your connection.
How do I forward my phone line?
Residents who want to send their incoming calls to another extension within the University can do so by pressing # 9, and the 5 digit extension number. The command can be canceled by pressing ##9 while on the forwarded extension.
