I have an unlisted number, but I am getting telemarketing calls from MCI and other phone companies. That was the issue. I am not a cretin and the BellSouth system is not malfunctioning. This is just a way to avoid dealing with people. Most of us give up after our blood pressure rises, so they don't address many complaints.
Some companies instruct a caller to stay on the line and eventually one can speak to someone.
That is slow, but it does get action. I was not given that courtesy with the great BellSouth mechanical device. Another morning on the phone with no results makes me remember that the Indians once got their news across with puffs of smoke. There are pigeons on my roof. Not every household has a computer to deal with trying situations.