Getting Rid of Landline Wiring

[got3fords]

So we have not been using a land line phone for years. But it occurred to me the other day, we still have the phone line running from the nearby utility pole, over our driveway, along the gutter and down the side of the house to the big ugly plastic junction box. The phone company has changed hands since we stopped using them, so I would not know who to even call to ask about having it taken down. Can I just rip it all down without breaking any Va. law? Thoughts?

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[RedlandRanger]

I'm not sure if it is different in Virginia, but anything on the outside of the "box" on the house belongs to the phone company. I would assume ripping it down would be considered at least vandalism, but since most phone companies seem to be abandoning POTS lines, they would probably not care. Our local co-op phone company still provides POTS service, but if something happens to it they will move you to a VOIP phone - their primary service now is internet connectivity. I talked to the president a few years ago and he told me "this was the year we realized we were now a data company" - it doesn't matter if the data is web pages, video streaming or phone calls - it is all just data now.

 

[got3fords]

I'm not sure if it is different in Virginia, but anything on the outside of the "box" on the house belongs to the phone company. I would assume ripping it down would be considered at least vandalism, but since most phone companies seem to be abandoning POTS lines, they would probably not care. Our local co-op phone company still provides POTS service, but if something happens to it they will move you to a VOIP phone - their primary service now is internet connectivity. I talked to the president a few years ago and he told me "this was the year we realized we were now a data company" - it doesn't matter if the data is web pages, video streaming or phone calls - it is all just data now.

Good insight. It made me realize that our neighbor, who shares the pole is probably still using POTS (I had to look that up!). Maybe I can ask them who is providing the service now.

 

[Nellieg]

You can always splice in your wire to his and see if he is talking about you... Seriously you can probably websearch telephone service in ZIP code to figure out who manages landlines or maybe is DSL is still offered...

 

[NotBudule2]

I could come do it , back in the day I climbed lots of poles to get the cable channels that I wanted to see , not what "The Man" wanted me to see(mostly the porn channels that needed that little filter thingy on the cable to come through, that and HBO when it was new) anyway , the lower the cables on the pole , the less dangerous...usually...

 

[rooster]

you could accidentally drop a branch thru it near your house, then just coil it up at the base of the pole.

 

[got3fords]

you could accidentally drop a branch thru it near your house, then just coil it up at the base of the pole.

Now we're getting somewhere! There is a maple that has been threatening the phone line for years. But it just won't give up the ghost. I would have to carefully disconnect the line from the house and gutters, then maybe I can fake a fallen limb.
But the simple idea of gathering it up and coiling it by the pole would indicate I meant no ill intent. I like it!

 

[got3fords]

Now we're getting somewhere! There is a maple that has been threatening the phone line for years. But it just won't give up the ghost. I would have to carefully disconnect the line from the house and gutters, then maybe I can fake a fallen limb.
But the simple idea of gathering it up and coiling it by the pole would indicate I meant no ill intent. I like it!

I may need to attack this when the wife is out. Otherwise nag nag nag, what are you doing? Don't do that! Etc etc.

 

[RangerTX]

bro - cut that sh@#.

 

[Rinn69]

Just say a crack-head must've stolen it.....should work on both concerned parties

 

[got3fords]

I just took a closer look, and I would need at least a 20' ladder to get to the apex of the porch where it first attaches to the house. There is some sort of strain relief on the cable that won't allow it to just pass through if disconnected below.

 

[AzScorpion]

I may need to attack this when the wife is out. Otherwise nag nag nag, what are you doing? Don't do that! Etc etc.

I'm surprised you didn't tell her to " shut the hell up"!

Disclaimer: For those who don't know this goes back to a bunch of posts from James a few years ago. ?

 

[got3fords]

I'm surprised you didn't tell her to " shut the hell up"!

Disclaimer: For those who don't know this goes back to a bunch of posts from James a few years ago. ?

Wow, nice memory! That is still on the table. What happened to the phone line? I dunno, shut the hell up! Followed by, looks better doesn't it? Which is when she'll forget about the phone line and bring up another subject.

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