phone FAQs

Account Code Billing allows the assigning of account codes on a per person or per department basis. It works for schools or businesses who want a code for each employee or department; or for roommates who need to separate their calls. There are 100 codes allowed and codes may be placed on more than one line. The set-up fee is $20.00 per line. To change the account code is a $5.00 service order charge per line.

Anonymous Caller Rejection allows you to reject calls for which Calling Name and Calling Number display information has been intentionally blocked. You do not need to be a subscriber to Calling Name and Number Delivery to have this feature. When someone calls you and has activated Caller ID Blocking, he/she receives a message saying you’re not taking calls. All other calls come through as usual.

To activate:

1. Lift the receiver and listen for the dial tone.
2. Dial *77. (On a rotary phone, dial 1177.)
3. Listen for a confirmation tone (double beep) or confirmation message. Once you’ve received confirmation, hang up. If you don’t receive a confirmation, try again making sure you use the correct numbers.

To deactivate:

1. Lift the receiver and listen for the dial tone.
2. Dial *87. (On a rotary phone, dial 1187)
3. Listen for a confirmation tone (double beep) or confirmation message.

Once you’ve received the confirmation, hang up.

Notes: In case of an emergency, an operator can override Anonymous Caller Rejection.   Also, you will not know when or how many calls have been rejected.

Control each outgoing long distance call with a PIN. All you do is enter your four-digit PIN, then place the 1+ call or 0+ call. If you don’t know the PIN, you can’t make a long distance call. How to use:

1. Dial 1 plus the 10 digit long distance phone number you wish to call.
2. When you begin to hear the automated voice state, “We’re sorry this call is not permitted. Please hang up.” Enter your PIN number. You may enter the PIN at any time during or after the message and your call will be connected.

Note: If you would like to make changes to your PIN, please call our office for assistance.

Automatic Callback works like an enhanced redial button. If the line you’re trying to reach is busy, the Automatic Callback keeps trying the number for up to 30 minutes. Once both lines are idle, you’ll hear a special ring. When you pick up the handset, the system will ring the party you’re trying to reach.

When you hear a busy signal, depress the switchhook and release quickly. Listen for a special dial tone.

If you’ve already hung up, pick up the handset and listen for a normal dial tone. Press *66. On a rotary dial phone, dial 1166. If the line is still busy, hang up. Your phone will check the number for up to 30 minutes. A special callback ring alerts you if the line becomes free (some phones ring normally). Pick up the handset to automatically place the call.

To cancel:

Depress the switchhook and release. Listen for a special dial tone. If you’ve already hung up, lift the handset and listen for a normal dial tone. Press *86. On a rotary dial phone, dial 1186. Listen for confirmation tone or announcement. Hang up.

Automatic Recall lets you dial the last incoming call you received whether or not you answered the phone. When you activate Automatic Recall, the system tells you the directory number of the last incoming call and then gives you the choice of continuing the recall or ending the recall. If you recall and the line is busy, Automatic Recall will keep trying the number for up to 30 minutes.

To Activate Automatic Recall:

Pick up the handset and listen for the dial tone OR if you were already on the phone and ignored a call waiting tone, depress the switchhook and release quickly. Press *69. On a rotary dial phone, dial 1169. The number of the calling party will be announced along with the date and time of the call. You will be instructed to either dial 1 to return the call, or hang up.

If the line is busy:

Hang up. Your phone will keep trying the line for up to 30 minutes. A special callback ing alerts you if the line becomes free. Pick up the handset to automatically place the call.

To Cancel Auto Recall:

Press *89. Listen for announcement. Hang up.

Notes: Automatic Recall will not call a number back that has been blocked. It does not work on 800 numbers, 900 numbers, cellular phone numbers, numbers outside the specified service area, or lines using Call Forward and some other call services.

Block Toll Calling allows you to set your phone to either allow long distance calls or to not allow long distance calls, like an on/off switch. To do this, you will enter a code plus a PIN, which you set. Once this code has been entered, no long distance calls can be made, until you enter another code.

How to Use:

Pick up your handset and listen for a dial tone. To disallow 1+ dialing on your phone, dial *94 PPPP 0003. Note: PPPP equals your PIN. Result: You receive a confirmation tone (double beep). Now, you cannot place 1+ calls.

To allow 1+ dialing on your phone, dial *94 PPPP 0007. Note: PPPP = Your PIN.

Call Forwarding allows you to send your calls from your home phone to another number. When Call Forwarding is activated, your phone will signal with a short ring each time it forwards a call. You can make outgoing calls, but you can’t receive incoming calls, unless you deactivate Call Forwarding. This feature means your phone can transfer incoming calls to another number of your choice. Call Forwarding is great for the business person who wants to catch after hours business calls at home, or for anyone who doesn’t want to miss an important call.

To Forward Your Calls:

Lift your receiver and listen for dial tone. Dial 72. Press the # button. Again, listen for dial tone. Dial the number to which you wish to forward you calls. When someone answers at the forwarded number, Call Forwarding is put into effect.

If there’s no answer, or the line is busy, hang up and repeat the previous steps. If you do this within two minutes, you’ll hear two beeps meaning your Call Forwarding feature is in effect.

Once you’ve activated Call Forwarding, the phone will make one short ring each time a call is forwarded. However, you can still make outgoing calls from this phone.
If you wish to change the number your calls are being transferred to, just discontinue Call Forwarding, (see below), and redirect your calls using the above steps.

To Discontinue Call Forwarding:

Lift the receiver and listen for the dial tone. Dial 73. Press the # button. Listen for two beeps. Call Forwarding is now discontinued.

This feature allows you to forward a call to another number if your phone is busy. Call Forward Busy will transfer calls to another number when your telephone is in use (when you are on another call or perhaps on the internet).

To activate Call Forward Busy: Dial *90 and you will receive a special tone. Enter the number to which calls will be forwarded. The system will answer. Call forward busy is now activated.

To deactivate call forward busy, dial *91.

This feature allows you to program your phone to forward to a predetermined number if you don’t answer. This will allow your phone to ring at home first and then forward to another number after a set number of rings (2 to 9).

Call Forward Don’t Answer tells your system to send a call to another number if you don’t answer after a preset number of rings.

To activate Call Forward Don’t Answer: Dial *92 and you will receive a special dial tone. Enter the number of rings before transfer (2 through 9) by entering the number on the keypad. Enter the number to which calls will be forwarded. The system will answer. Call Forward Don’t Answer is now activated.

The first time you dial into Call Forward – Don’t Answer, you will be greeted by the system and given an introduction. This is the time for you to set up your own 4-digit password. Use a number you will remember.

To deactivate Call Forward – Don’t Answer, dial *93. If you want to change the number of rings, you must first deactivate Call Forward Don’t Answer, and then go through the above 4 steps again.

This feature allows you to program your home phone from a remote location to Call Forward to a number that you assign.

Caller ID identifies the number of the calling party. After your phone rings once, the caller’s number appears on the display. You can then decide if you want to answer or not. The date and time of the incoming call is also displayed. NOTE: You must own a display phone or an attachment that displays the number.

While you’re on the phone, Call Waiting notifies you when another caller is trying to reach you. By simply pressing on the switchhook, you can place one caller on hold and speak to the second caller.

Here’s How Your Call Waiting Feature Alerts You:

A beep tone tells you another call is waiting. Only you hear this tone. Another reminder tone will be heard 10 seconds later if the waiting call remains unanswered. The second caller hears the normal ringing tone only.

To Answer the Second Call: Depress the switchhook for about one second to place your first call on hold. You will automatically be connected with the second caller.

To Alternate Between Calls: By depressing the switchhook for about a second, you may alternate between calls. Each conversation is private and cannot be heard by the other caller.

To Terminate Either Call: Simply hang up. Your telephone will then ring.When you answer it, you’ll be connected with the other caller.

Conference Calling allows you to add another party to your call so you can have a three-way conversation.

To Add a Third Party to Your Call: First, to hold your existing call, depress the switchhook for about a second. Then dial the third number. (Speed Calling codes may be used if you also have this feature.) When the third party answers, you may talk privately before completing your three-way connection. With your third party on the line, depress the switchhook for a second to add the holding party. Your Three-Way Call is now in effect.

If for some reason the call to the third party is not completed, depress the switchhook twice to get back to your held party.

To Disconnect the Third Party: Depress the switchhook for about a second. You will now have only the original party on the line.

To Disconnect Completely: Simply hang up. If either of the other two parties hangs up, you can continue to talk to the one remaining.

This feature works in conjunction with 3-Way Calling to let you talk with two parties at the same time and allows you to drop off and let the remaining parties talk without you being on the line. You will be billed for all calls transferred, even for charges incurred after you have left the three-way connection.

To add a third party: First, to hold your existing call, depress the switchhook for about a second. Then dial the third number. (Speed Calling codes may be used if you also have this feature). When the third party answers, you may talk privately before completing your three-way connection. With your third party on the line, depress the switchhook for a second to add the holding party. Your Three-Way Call is now in effect. If for some reason the call to the third party is not completed, depress the switchhook twice to get back to your held party.

To disconnect completely: Simply hang up. If either of the two parties hangs up, you can continue talking to the one remaining.

Cancel Call Waiting allows you to temporarily deactivate your Call Waiting so that you can ensure no interruptions during an important phone call. This feature can be used to deactivate Call Waiting during the use of a fax machine or computer modem.

To Cancel Call Waiting Before Making a Call or Connecting to the Internet: Dial *70, then listen for three beeps and a steady dial tone (rotary dial phones, dial 1170).

Dial desired telephone number.

To Cancel Call Waiting During a Call: (Three-Way Calling feature is required) Depress switchhook, then listen for three beeps and a steady dial tone. Dial *70, then listen for three beeps (rotary dial phones, dial 1170). Wait for automatic reconnection to existing call.

Note: When Cancel Call Waiting is activated, caller will hear a busy signal.

Customer Originated Trace lets you trace the origin of a harassing or obscene call. This option is available on your phone at no charge.

To use: When receiving a harassing call, hang up the handset. Then pick up the handset and listen for dial tone. Dial *57 from a touch tone phone or 1157 on a rotary dial phone. You will receive a confirmation message saying if the call was able to be traced.

If the number was traced it is printed at the telephone company. You will then need to contact the sheriff to have this information released to the proper authorities.

Distinctive Ringing allows you to program ten directory numbers that will be identified by a distinctive ring when they call you. If you also have call waiting and you’re engaged in a phone conversation when a call from someone on your distinctive ring list arrives, you will hear a distinctive call waiting tone.

How To Use: Pick up the handset and listen for the dial tone. Press *61. Listen for the announcement telling you whether the feature is currently on or off. The recorded voice will then tell you how many (if any) numbers are currently stored on your list. Follow the voice instructions and dial 3 to turn the feature ON (if it is currently off), or turn the feature OFF (if it is currently on).

To add the last caller to you VIP list: Press #01#.

To hear the phone numbers on your VIP list: Dial 1. After the list is read, voice instructions will follow.

To add a number to your list: Press #. Follow the voice instructions you’ll hear. You can store up to 10 phone numbers on your list.

To remove a number from your VIP list: Press *. Follow the voice instructions to remove any or all of those numbers.

To hear instructions again: Dial 0.

When someone calls: If the call is from someone on your VIP list, you’ll hear a special ring. All other calls will have a normal ringing pattern. If you have Call Waiting and get a call from a number on your VIP list while you’re on another call, you’ll hear a special Call Waiting tone.

This feature lets you block your phone from ringing unless the caller knows a special code which will allow them to override the Do Not Disturb option in case of an emergency.

1. Login to the telephone portal at www.santel.coop/my-account/
2. You can enable or disable the feature or you can establish specific start and end times.
3. You can establish an override code for emergencies.

Selective Call Acceptance will allow customers to define a list of 10 calling directory numbers that will be accepted. Any calling numbers not on that list will be routed to an announcement that the call is rejected.

How To Use: Pick up the handset and listen for the dial tone. Press *64 and listen for announcement telling you whether the feature is currently on or off. The recorded voice will then tell you how many (if any) numbers are currently stored on your acceptance list.

Follow the voice instructions and dial 3 to turn the feature ON (if it is currently off), or to turn the feature OFF (if it is currently on). Follow the voice instructions you’ll hear to add or remove a number from your list.

When someone calls: When your service is turned ON, you’ll receive calls only from those on your acceptance list. Callers who are not on your list will simply hear an announcement that you are not accepting calls at this time.

Selective Call Forwarding ensures that specific calls will reach you when you’re away from home or the office. You are able to program up to ten specific directory numbers to be forwarded.

How to use: Pick up the handset and listen for the dial tone. Press *63 and listen for an announcement telling you whether the feature is currently on or off. The recorded voice will then tell you how many (if any) numbers are currently stored on your forward list.

Follow the voice instructions and dial 3 to turn the feature ON (if it is currently off), or to turn the feature OFF (if it is currently on). Follow the voice instructions you’ll hear to enter or change the current “forward to” number. Follow the voice instructions you’ll hear to add or remove a number from your list.

When someone calls: If your service is turned ON, and caller is on your forward list, the call will be re-routed to your “forward-to” number. If the caller is not on your forward list, the call will ring at your home as usual.

Selective Call Rejection allows you to selectively program a list of up to ten directory numbers that you want rejected or blocked when they call you. The rejected or blocked caller receives a message informing him/her that you’re not taking calls. Your phone won’t ring. Selective Call Rejection will allow the subscriber to define a list of calling numbers to be screened. Any calling numbers on this list will be routed to announcements and rejected. All other calls will be treated normally. The calling party on the rejection list will receive an announcement stating the call is not presently being accepted by the called party.

How to use: Pick up the handset and listen for the dial tone. Press *60 and listen for announcement telling you whether the feature is currently on or off. The recorded voice will then tell you how many (if any) numbers are currently stored on your rejection list. Follow the voice instructions and dial 3 to turn the feature ON (if it is currently off), or to turn the feature OFF (if it is currently on). Follow the voice instructions you’ll hear to add or remove a number from your rejection list.

When someone calls: If your service is turned ON, callers who are on your rejection list will hear an announcement that your number is not accepting calls at this time. All other calls will ring through as usual.

Speed Call lets you program your phone to dial a complete phone number (7 or 10 digits) in response to entering a 1- or 2- digit code. Speed Call comes in a short list (8 numbers) or in a long list (30 numbers). If you have the short list, you can easily change to the large list by calling our office.

To Establish Your Speed Calling List: Lift the receiver and listen for the dial tone. Dial 74# for 1-digit Speed Calling (codes 2-9 for Speed Call 8) or dial 75# for 2-digit Speed Calling (codes 20-49 for Speed Call 30). (rotary dial phones, omit the # key). Listen for three beeps and a steady dial tone. Dial one of the 8 one-digit access code numbers (2-9) or one of the 30 2-digit access code numbers (20-49). Then dial the number you wish to Speed Dial. (For long-distance entries, dial 1 and the area code before the number.) Then depress the # button and listen for a confirmation tone. (Rotary dial phones, omit the # button.)

You may repeat this process at any time. Assign a different code number for each number you wish to Speed Dial.

To Use Your Speed Calling Feature: Dial the appropriate one-digit access number (2-9) or two-digit access number (20-49). Push the # button. (Rotary dial phones, omit the # key.)

To Change Your Speed Call List: Simply follow the same steps for establishing your list. A new number automatically cancels out the corresponding existing number.

This service allows you to have a second telephone number assigned to your existing line. It can be used by any customer who wants to have some of the advantages of a second line at a small cost. How does it work? All incoming calls on a teen line number will have two short rings, so the customer can distinguish which line is being called. If you have call waiting and are on a call, you will hear two short beeps if the incoming call is on the teen line number.

You can stop being bothered by calls from telemarketers. TCS screens a high percentage of calls from telemarketers. Most telemarketing organizations “block” their calling number, so they are identified as “unknown.” TCS intercepts these “unknown” callers. Your phone won’t even ring. Instead, the TCS system tells them that the person they are calling does not accept calls from telemarketers and asks that your name be removed from their calling list. This legally binds them not to call you again. The TCS system will not disturb callers who provide their calling number, or who have their calling number listed as “private”. Since not all “unknown” calls are from telemarketers, the TCS system informs these callers that if they wish to complete the call to please “dial 1 or stay on the line”. Any friends or family with “unknown” listings can still easily ring through to you.

Toll Deny blocks all out-going calls dialed with 1 plus any 3-digit code. This option is set up in the Santel office.

Download the Voice Mail PDF brochure

Do you need a wake-up call in the morning? With our Wake-Up Call Service, you can set your phone to give you a wake-up call at any time of the day — just like being in a hotel.

To schedule a one-time Wake-Up Call: Call the Wake-Up PLUS administration number, your prefix + 1133 (495-1133). Press 1 to schedule a wake-up call for your phone. Press 2 to schedule a call for the same day. The system will state the day you can schedule for. Press 1 to schedule for the next day, press 2 to schedule for the current day. Enter the 2 digit hour for the wake-up call. (02 am, 10pm, etc.) Enter the 2 digit minute for the wake-up call. (02:11, 10:05, etc.) Enter 0 for AM or 1 for PM. Press 1 to use the system default wake-up message or press 2 to record your own wake-up message.

To schedule a recurring wake-up call: Call the Wake-Up PLUS administration number. Press 1 to schedule a wake-up call for your phone. Press 3 to access the advanced schedule options. Press 8 to schedule a call for weekdays. Press 2 to schedule a recurring wake-up call. Enter the 2 digit hour for the wake-up call.

Enter the 2 digit minute for the wake-up call. Enter 0 for AM or 1 for PM. Press 1 to use the system default wake-up message or press 2 to record your own wake-up message.

Warm Line is designed to help our customers in case of emergency. If the customer picks up the phone and fails to dial within 30 seconds, a predetermined number is automatically dialed. The customer selects the number to be dialed and we program it into the switch.