But installation is within your control. This 2torial will walk you through the basics of both connecting an existing jack to a new phone line and installing a new jack. It's a cable from the phone pole on the street to a box in your house. This 2torial should apply in most U.S. residential situations, though some wiring or equipment may look different than that described here, especially if it's old. Some words of caution.
Phone lines carry a small electrical charge.
Don't do any wiring work if you wear a pacemaker. Avoid working with wet feet or during an electrical storm, and keep uninsulated wires dry. It's a gray box with a cover on it. To find it, follow the phone line from the pole on the street nearest to your building. If it's not on the outside of the building, look inside close to where the line enters the house.