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All of the issues mentioned in the Information Section of the New Florence Telephone directory contain important facts about your telephone service and rights as a New Florence Telephone customer. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at
835-2997 or stop by our business office in New Florence, MO.
Our goal is to serve you like a neighbor. 

Proud to be your local telephone company

 

***INFORMATION SECTION***
Click on one of the subjects below to see more.

 
NEW FLORENCE
EMERGENCY NUMBERS

      AMBULANCE                                  911

      CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT     1-800-392-3738

      FIRE ALARM                                  911

 

      MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL TROOP F
     Emergency Only                           1-800-525-5555
     All Other Calls                                1-573-751-1000
     General Headquarters                 1-573-751-3313

      CALL BEFORE YOU DIG      1-800+DIG RITE (1-800-344-7483)
     Please call 48 hours before you dig

      POISON CONTROL CENTER
       St. Louis, MO                                1-800-366-8888

      CITY POLICE                                  
       Non-Emergency                         1-573-835-1111
       Emergency                                   911

      SHERIFF

      Toll Call Non-Emergency           1-573-564-3378
       Emergency                                   911

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      HELPFUL FACTS ON HARASSING AND
SOLICITATION CALLS

Harassing Calls
Making threatening, obscene or nuisance calls is a violation of state and  federal laws. The maximum penalty for violation is a fine of $1,000.00 or one year imprisonment or both.

We hope it doesn´t happen to you, but, if you receive a threatening call report it immediately to the police. If you receive obscene or nuisance calls here are some guidelines to follow:

  • Hang up gently at the first obscene word or if the caller doesn´t say  anything the second time you say hello.
  • Do not give any information such as name, address or if
    you are at home alone.
  • Advise any children to do the same.

If calls persist, contact the police department for alternatives or to request call tracing. Often changing your number will resolve the problem. Call the New Florence Telephone business office for details and charges.

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Reporting Trouble and Repair

If you experience service problems you can reach our Trouble and Repair line at: 1-573-835-2997. New Florence Telephone is responsible for repair and maintenance of our network and cable up to the Network Interface Device (NID) on the outside of your home or business. All wiring and jacks or other attachments past the NID to the inside of your home or business are considered customer premise equipment and are the responsibility of the customer. Repairs to customer premise equipment require additional service charges unless you subscribe in advance to the Maintenance Agreement Service. (See Optional Services.)

In order to avoid service charges for repair or maintenance to customer premise equipment we recommend that you try to isolate the problem before calling in to report trouble with your telephone service. Following the steps below will help you isolate the problem.

1. Be sure that all cords are firmly plugged in.

2. Be sure that all handsets are in place.

3. If you cannot make outgoing calls, unplug all of your phones,
   answering machines, etc. At various jacks test each phone individually
   by plugging it in and trying to dial out. If none of the phones work
   in a particular jack, the trouble is with the customer premise
   wiring to that particular jack.

4. If you still do not find the problem you can take one or more of your
   telephones to the NID and use the test jack there.

To use the test jack at the NID

1. Remove plug A by pressing retainer clip and gently pulling plug forward.

2. Plug your phone directly into the NID.

3. Listen for a dial tone and try dialing out. If the telephone is not operational from the test jack try another telephone and repeat steps 1-3. 

4. If your telephones are not operational at the NID the problem is in the outside wiring or network and you should contact the Trouble and Repair line immediately from a friend or neighbor´s telephone.

CAUTION: Telephone wires have voltages ranging from 48 VDC to 105 VAC.  To avoid shock use insulated tools or protective clothing when repairing or installing telephone wiring.  Disconnect plug from NID during installation and repair of all inside wiring.

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DOING BUSINESS WITH NEW FLORENCE
TELEPHONE COMPANY

Setting Up Telephone Service
To set up new telephone service, call or come into New Florence Telco at least 5 working days prior to the date you want your service to
begin with your:

  • Legal name;
  • New and old address;
  • Driver’s license and driver’s license number;
  • Date of birth;
  • Social security number;
  • Place of employment, address and phone number;
  • Name of financial institution (bank);
  • Residential status (own/rent);
  • Previous telephone number and name of previous telephone           company.

A security deposit or guarantee may be required if sufficient credit history cannot be provided.
 

Connection Charges
Installation charges apply according to work performed. Your first bill may include charges for:

  • Initial service order charge;
  • Line connection charge;
  • Installation and wiring charges;
  • Local service charges (prorated for the first billing period);
  • Advanced billing of next month´s local service charges;
  • Long distance toll (if any).

         

Billing Information
Bills are normally mailed around the first of the month and are due upon receipt. You may pay your bill by mail, in person at our local business office, or use our 24-hour deposit box located on the front of the business office.

New Florence Telco also does billing for some long distance companies. This consolidated billing means you will receive one convenient monthly statement for selected long distance charges on your New Florence statement.

Vacation Arrangements
If you are planning an extended vacation or a period of absence for one or more months, please call the business office before you leave. We will make billing arrangements to avoid disconnection of service while you are gone.

Control of Your Telephone
Your telephone line is your responsibility. You are responsible for payment of all charges on your bill. These may include charges for repair and installation services and/or calls made from your home. A call made from your number and billed to a third party will be rebilled to your telephone number if the third party refused to pay for the call. If you do not wish to pay for a collect call, you must tell the operator "no" when asked to accept the charges. You are responsible for payment of all long distance calls placed from a telephone for which you have billing responsibility. You are also responsible for authorized charges made with your calling card. Your service can be suspended for non-payment of legitimate charges.

Maintaining Good Credit
We want to keep you as our customer, so it is important that you pay your bills promptly. Payments are required monthly and become delinquent 21 days after the statement date. If you do not pay your bill by the delinquent date you may receive a disconnection notice at least 10 days prior to the disconnection. If payment is not received we may be forced to temporarily disconnect your telephone service until all past due and reconnection charges are paid. The reconnection fee is $5.00 for residential service and $5.00 for business service. A security deposit may also be required before we can reconnect your service.

Grounds for Disconnection of Service Not Requested by Customer
Your service may be disconnected for:

  • Nonpayment of a “deniable” charge;
  • Failure to comply with terms of a deferred payment agreement;
  • Unauthorized use of utility equipment in a manner which is unsafe or creates the possibility of damage or destruction of equipment;
  • Misrepresentation of identity in obtaining telephone service;
  • Refusal after reasonable notice to permit inspection, maintenance or replacement of telephone utility equipment;
  • Any reason approved by state or federal law.

Changes to Existing Service
For your protection, changes in existing service may only be made by authorized parties whose name appears on the statement. This applies to adding features, ordering wiring or jacks, additional lines, disconnection of service or any other change to existing service. Billing name changes will only be done with approval from both parties, the party who is currently responsible for the bill and the party who wishes to have service in their name. The only exceptions to this will be in the event of a death of the billing party or with a written notice of Power of Attorney.

Service Charges
When you establish or rearrange local telephone service or long distance service there is a one-time service charge to help cover the technical and administrative costs of connecting or changing your service on our network. Any service requested from New Florence Telco may involve a service charge. Additional information concerning service charges is available through the New Florence business office.

 Disconnecting Service
If you want to disconnect telephone service, call New Florence Telco at least 5 working days prior to the date you want your service disconnected with:

  • Your current phone number;
  • Address where final statement should be sent;
  • Date you want service disconnected.

If you do not notify us for disconnection you will continue to be responsible for the telephone bill. If you lease a telephone or other equipment from New Florence Telco please return it to the business office at 101 North Main, New Florence, MO on or before the date of disconnection. If you fail to return leased equipment you will be billed for the purchase price of the equipment.

 

Use of Residential Lines for Business Purposes
Residential rates are charged with the understanding that the line will be used for normal domestic purposes. A residential rate will be changed to a business rate if the line is used primarily for business purposes or if it is advertised for a business purpose.

 

Downgrading Service
If you are a business customer who wishes to change from a business line to a residential line you will be required to change your telephone number.

 

Rates and Practices
Practices and information included in this directory are based on standards in effect at the time the directory was published and are subject to change. Customer will be advised of any request for a general rate increase within 45 days of such request and before the date of the first public hearing. A schedule of rates is available at the public service utility commission´s state office and the New Florence business office.

 

Telephone Equipment Options
Depending on your telephone needs, you may buy telephones, Caller ID boxes and other equipment from New Florence Telco. Telephone equipment may also be obtained from independent suppliers. Such equipment must be approved or registered by the FCC and the customer is responsible for its proper connection, maintenance and repair. These rules are designed to assure reliable service and at the same time protect customer and employees against possible hazards.

 

Inside Wiring Options
If your residence or business requires wiring, New Florence Telco can provide quality inside wiring service at a good value. From installation to maintenance, New Florence Telco is the single source for all your communications needs. During construction or remodeling, New Florence Telco can pre-wire dwellings to eliminate exposed wiring.

If you choose to do the wiring yourself, or have it done by an independent contractor, New Florence Telco will provide the necessary telephone Network Interface Device (NID) and wiring up to the outside of the dwelling.

 

Cellular Service
New Florence Telephone Company is an authorized agent for Cingular. If you need cellular service, contact the New Florence Telephone business office for assistance and more details.

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OTHER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Your rights as a telephone customer are very important to New Florence Telephone. We want to serve you like a neighbor. If you ever have a billing or service problem just call on us. We will do our best to give you a quick and fair resolution to any of your telephone concerns. If you ever feel that your questions, comments or complaints are not being answered to your satisfaction, please ask to speak to a supervisor. If your problem is still not resolved to your satisfaction, please write to:
TigerTel c/o President,  P.O. Box 526, Peculiar, MO 64078.

Credit for Interruption of Service
New Florence Telephone does not guarantee uninterrupted service of lines or equipment. In the event that a customer´s service is interrupted other than by willful act of the customer and it remains out of order in excess of 24 hours after being reported, appropriate adjustments shall be made upon customer request. Adjustments will be done as a credit on the subsequent telephone bill.

Damage to Coin Telephones
Any person who intentionally or knowingly damages or destroys any coin telephone is guilty of criminal mischief and may be punished by imprisonment for any term not more than 10 years or less than 2 years or fined up to $10,000.00 or both.

Ownership of Telephone Numbers
All telephone numbers are owned by the local telephone company. New Florence Telephone has the right to change any customer's number as may be required.

Right of Access to Premise
At all reasonable times, New Florence Telephone, through its authorized employees, shall have the right of access to the premise of the customer to install, inspect or repair the lines or equipment, or to remove them upon termination of the customer's right of use.

Tape Recording Telephone Conversations
Any recording of telephone conversations is governed by state and federal laws and regulations. You should consult an attorney if you have questions regarding these laws and regulations.

Tariffs
As a telephone company New Florence Telephone is regulated by the Missouri Public Service Commission. A tariff itemizing regulated rates and charges for telephone service as well as general terms of operation is on file with the state´s utility regulatory agency as well as the New Florence Telephone business office in New Florence. Customers may contact the Missouri Public Service Commission with any service or tariff related issues at 1-800-392-4211 or write to P. O. Box 360, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

Telephone Fraud
Telephone fraud is a crime. Fraud includes, but is not limited to, charging long distance calls to a number other than your own, use of a calling card without authorization or attempting to obtain telephone service under a false name with intent to avoid charges. The maximum penalty is termination of telephone service, a fine of $500.00, or one year imprisonment, or both.

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OPTIONAL SERVICES

In addition to Custom Calling Features we offer a variety of services for your residence or business line. Call the New Florence Telephone business office for availability, rates and details.

Maintenance Agreement
New Florence Telephone Company maintains telephone wiring outside of your home or business. However, the inside wiring in your dwelling is your responsibility. To avoid costly wiring repairs you may subscribe in advance to a Maintenance Agreement. A small monthly fee protects you from normal repair charges on the telephone wiring at your home or business. The Maintenance Agreement provides you with “Worry Free” protection from costly repairs if something should go wrong with your inside wiring or jacks.

You must subscribe to a Maintenance Agreement for each line at your premises. This service will not cover repairs due to substandard wiring/jacks, intentional abuse, natural disaster, fire, or non-telephone related connections to inside wiring/jacks such as, but not limited to, alarm systems, satellite dishes or computer connections. Repair of your telephone equipment is not covered.

Remote Call Forward
Remote Call Forward (RCF) is great for the business or residence that is relocating to a different exchange, but, wishes to keep their former number active at the new location.  This service allows all calls to the former number to be automatically forwarded to any disabled telephone number.  Some restrictions apply, so contact your business office for details.

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SERVICES FOR THE HEARING OR SPEECH IMPAIRED

RELAY SERVICE AND HOW IT WORKS
People with hearing/speech impairments communicate using a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), a combination telephone/typewriter which enables the individual to type out his or her portion of the conversation. Other forms of TDDs which may be used include teletypewriters and compatible personal computers. People without hearing/speech impairments using standard telephone equipment can also call TDD users. Relay Services use specially trained agents located at the Relay Center to relay conversations between parties.

RELAY SERVICE CENTER
Call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Relay assistants can instruct you in making long distance calls. Upon reaching the center, provide the relay agent with the area code and telephone number you wish to call. If making a long distance call, advise the relay agent the type of call you are making (direct dial, credit card, collect, person-to-person, etc.), how you wish to pay, and the name of your long distance carrier if you are calling long distance. If using a calling card, credit card or third number billing, you will need to provide your name and the necessary billing number. TDD callers can access the Relay Missouri center by calling toll free: 711 or 1-800-RELAY-MO (1+800-735-2966). Voice callers can access the Relay Missouri center by calling toll free: 711 or 1+800-735-2466.

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EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE-MISSOURI

Callers should use 9-1-1 or other existing emergency numbers when possible in crisis situations. The Missouri Relay Center DOES NOT provide emergency assistance but, merely relays the emergency calls.                   

DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE-MISSOURI
     TDD users need to call 1+800-855-1155                  

BILLING OF CALLS AND PRIVACY
The Relay Center handles local and long distance calls to numbers both within and outside the state. However, all calls must originate within the State of Missouri. There is no charge for local calls. Long distance calls are billed to the customer on a monthly basis. All long distance calls handled by the Relay Center are billed at a special discounted rate. All calls handled by the Relay Center are strictly confidential. Relay agents cannot disclose any information from a conversation and records of conversations are not kept.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE RELAY MISSOURI CENTER PLEASE CONTACT: 

Relay Missouri Center
3445 Missouri Highway 291
Independence, MO 64057
1+800-735-2966 (ADD)
1+800-735-2466 (Voice)

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CALLING INSTRUCTIONS

Local Calling
     Dial a seven digit number

Long Distance Calling
     Dial 1 + area code + seven digit number

Long Distance Calling - Access Code
     Dial access code + 1 + area code + seven digit number

Operator Assisted Call
     Dial 0 + area code + seven digit number

Operator Assisted Call - Access Code
    
Dial access code + 0 + area code + seven digit number

Local Directory Assistance
     Dial 1 + 411

Long Distance Directory Assistance
     Dial 1 + area code + 555-1212

Wrong Number and Poor Connections
Dial "0" immediately and tell the Operator you have dialed a wrong number. You will be credited for the call. If you get a bad connection or cut off on a long distance call, the person making the call should call the Operator and explain the trouble. The Operator will get you a better connection and adjust the charges appropriately.

Rates
For direct dial calls, the initial rate period is one minute any time of day or night. Charges are based on rates in effect at the time of the call. Charges for additional minutes change when the call continues into a new time period. Additional savings may apply during evenings, nights and weekends. Any service charges for operator assistance are in addition to long distance rates.

International Dialing

For Direct Dial:
     Dial 011 + Country Code + Local Number

For Operator Assistance:
     Dial 01 + Country Code + Local Number

NOTE:  You will need to contact the long distance carrier you desire to obtain an access code. Not all long distance carriers choose to provide this service.

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