Self-test device

As a result of Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) Telecom Regulatory Policy 2012-83, inside telephone line repair visits include free installation of a self-test device. This device lets you self-test your telephone line to determine if a repair is required for the wiring inside or outside your home or business.

For more information about this Telecom Regulatory Policy decision please visit:

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List Item Closed What is a self-test device?

A self-test device is a piece of equipment that connects the telephone line in your home or business to Bell MTS' network outside of your home or business. The device has a test jack that lets you check whether a problem with your phone line is because of an issue inside your home or business or an issue with Bell MTS' network outside of your home or business.

List Item Closed What is the purpose of the self-test device?

The device will let you perform a self-test the next time you have a problem with your telephone line. The result of the test will help you decide who to call for the repair. When you plug a previously working telephone set into the self-test device, you will hear a dial tone, static or silence. If you hear:

A clear dial tone – the issue is most likely inside of your home or business. You can contact a repair service of your choice. Repair charges may apply.
Static, silence or an unclear dial tone – the problem is with the Bell MTS network outside of your home or business. Call Bell MTS Repair Service at 611 or Contact Us. Typically there are no charges for repair of wiring outside of your home or business.

List Item Closed What does my self-test device look like?

Your device will be marked with a yellow "TEST POINT" sticker. The yellow "TEST POINT" sticker will look the same regardless of the device you have. The sticker may be wrapped over the side of the device.

Figure 1

Note:

If you do not have a yellow "TEST POINT" sticker on your device, you do not have a ready-to-use self-test device and you should not try to test your telephone line.

List Item Closed Where is my self-test device located?

In your home - it's usually located in the basement near your electrical panel and other wiring.
In your business - it's usually located in the electrical room or telephone room, or at the place where outside telephone wiring enters the building.

List Item Closed How do I use the device to test my telephone line?

If you have a problem with your telephone line, follow these steps to determine whether the problem is with the wiring inside or outside of your home or business.

Find the self-test jack device (Refer to Figure 2, 3, 4 or 5):

In your home - it's usually located in the basement near your other wiring. If you need help determining if you have a ready-to-use self-test device, and/or its location in your home, please Contact Us. Remember to look for the yellow "TEST POINT" sticker when locating your device.

In your business - it's usually located in the electrical room or telephone room. If you need help determining if you have a ready-to-use self-test device, and/or its location in your business, please Contact Us. Remember to look for the yellow "TEST POINT" sticker when locating your device.

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4
Unplug the attached phone cord at the labeled "TEST POINT" ; then plug in a previously working telephone set in its place. (Refer to Figure 5)

Figure 5
Listen for a dial tone on the telephone you plugged into the test point.
- A Clear dial tone - the issue is most likely inside of your home or business. You can contact a repair service of your choice. Repair charges may apply.
- Static, silence or an unclear dial tone – the problem is with the Bell MTS network outside of your home or business. Call Bell MTS Repair Service at 611 or Contact Us. Typically there are no charges for repair of wiring outside of your home or business.
After performing the self-test, disconnect the telephone you plugged in for testing and reconnect the original attached telephone cord into the "TEST POINT".

Note:

All telephones and devices connected to phone jacks will remain disconnected until original telephone cord is plugged back into the "TEST POINT".

List Item Closed Does the installation of this device cost me anything?