Huntsville2023

General Information & Helpful Tips

Directory Accuracy Every effort is made to make the directory as accurate as possible. In case of error or omis sion, the liability of the company, if any, is limited to the amount of actual impairment of the cus tomer’s service and may not in any event exceed the amount paid for the service during the period covered by the directory in which the error or omission occurred. Classification of Service A residence telephone may be changed to the business service classification if the use of such service can be considered as being primarily for business. Such change may be made if the residence telephone number is advertised in connection with the sale of products or services if the subscriber has no business service within It is illegal for a person to charge any calls to another’s number or Calling Card without their permission. Persons placing such calls to avoid payment for service are subject to prosecution, and if convicted, are subject to imprisonment and/or a fine. Harassment by Telephone It is a crime under both state and federal laws for anyone to make obscene or harassing telephone calls. These laws have penalties of imprisonment and/or a fine. Annoying Calls If you ever receive obscene, abusive, harassing or threatening calls, follow these suggestions: 1. Hang up at the first obscene word. Hang up if the caller remains silent the second time you say hello. Remember, you control your telephone , not the person calling. 2. Do not give any information, such as your name or address, until the caller has been properly identified. 3. Advise your children not to give out any information. If you are not at home, those answering your telephone should be instructed to say, “They’re busy right now, may I take a message?” 4. If calls persist, call the telephone company. the same exchange area. Fraudulent Billing Can Lead to Prosecution

Telephone Safety The telephone is one of the safest appliances in your home and office, but there are a few situations where a telephone user should be cautious. • Do not use the telephone while you are in the bathtub, shower or swimming pool. Putting the telephone in water could cause a shock. • Avoid using the telephone during electrical storms in your immediate area. Urgent calls should be brief. Madison County Telephone Company uses protective measures to limit electrical surges from entering your home, but absolute protection from lightning is impossible. • If you suspect a gas leak, report it immediate ly, but use a telephone away from the area in question. The telephone’s electrical contact could create a tiny spark when you dial. While unlikely, it is possible that this spark could ignite heavy concentrations of gas. Tariff Provisions The communications services furnished by the telephone company are public utility services which are offered by the company subject to the rules, regulations and charges set forth in its tariffs. Abuse of Telephone Service The tariffs provide for suspension or termination of telephone service for abuse. Abuse of service

includes the use of service or facilities of the telephone company to transmit a mes sage or to locate a person or otherwise to give or obtain information without payment of a long-distance charge. Guarding Against Fraud

For your protection, new equipment and procedures enable the telephone company to detect and investigate fraudulent calls. State and Federal laws provide that no person shall defraud or attempt to defraud the telephone company of its lawful charges. Violators, upon conviction are subject to imprisonment or fine or both.

9