Replies to post #156 on Mr. FiXiT (TOOLS)

[Id_Jit]

Well John, there’s always the ‘hard’ reset procedure.
Disconnect the AC wall wort (power supply) and let the base station sit for a minute. Also remove (larger) batteries from the phone and base (if the base has removable battery backup) and let them sit also.
Reconnect power and batteries and Put the handset on its cradle for a minute.
Then test for dial tone and functionality.

If no go, disconnect the phone line from the cordless and dial in from the cell.
It should `ring’ as per the cellular (not busy) if the line is OK.
Reconnect the phone and dial in again. If now busy, the cordless base (perhaps via the handset) is tying up the line.

Verizon claims the line tests fine.
They didn’t give you any info as to whether the line’s end was `off hook’ and timed out?

Cordless phones and base stations usually have to `talk’ to each other agreeing on a digital `code’ so that a neighbor with a similar model of phone cannot use your phone line… (Like as with wireless internet.)
Usually this is as simple as putting the portable phone on the base cradle for a suitable time. Incompatibility of the base and handset should not cause the line to be busy though. They can't communicate with each other so there is no reason for the base to go `off-hook'.
I hate to say this, but you may have to dig out the “Fine” Owner’s Manual for the phone and read it concerning troubleshooting and resets. :-(

Id

Edit:
Everyone should have a cheapo plain old telephone (Not AC or battery powered) for emergencies even as minor as this. Telephone companies’ central offices provide power for basic telephones. In a widespread power outage that affects the phone companies’ central offices, these batteries usually can provide power for two or more days. They may also have generator backup.
If your power goes out, fancy phones quit. The cheapos will still work as they are powered by the phone company through the phone line.