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Frequently Asked Questions


If your phones are not working, after an electrical storm:


Try these helpful hints before calling our Customer Care Center. It is important to determine if the problem is with the phone or the phone line.


Start by

  1. Unplugging all of your phones and other equipment from the phone jacks and electrical outlets and let sit idle for 10 – 15 minutes. Other equipment is defined as any piece of equipment that may be associated with your phone service (caller ID boxes, answering machines, computer modems, etc.)
  2. Then plug in each phone, one at a time.
    If the first phone you try produces a dial tone, most likely the problem is with one of your phones or pieces of equipment and not the phone line.
    If there is no dial tone, the problem may be with that phone or the phone line.
  3. Continue to check all phones and equipment.
    If you get a dial tone, most likely the problem is with the phone/s or equipment.
    If you have tested all phones and equipment in different outlets and phone jacks and still no dial tone, it is time to call our Customer Care Center. During regular business hours call 749-2531 or after hours call 1-800-417-8685. At OmniTel Communications, a technician is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to handle your emergencies.

Important information about the value of landline telephone service:


It’s a fact that mobile phones have completely changed the way people keep in touch these days – they are convenient, useful, and excellent for emergencies when you’re out on the road or away from home. Although, as a provider of both mobile and traditional landline services, we feel it is important to remind our customers of the value, and even necessity, of keeping your landline service.


Safety Matters

The number one reason is safety. Consider these important points on the value of a landline when it comes to home emergencies: Landlines are the most reliable connection to 911. When you call 911 from a landline, your address automatically displays on the dispatcher’s screen. Even if the 911 caller doesn’t know the address (a babysitter or a child), or is too traumatized to relay accurate information, the rescue personnel knows where you are and can respond immediately.


Cell phones are not associated with one fixed location or address. With a mobile phone, every call, including 911 calls, are received by the cell site closest to the caller, then directed to a call-taker which could be in a far-away city or county. Usually, the information provided by the cell site is not specific enough for rescue personnel to determine the location of the caller, and as mentioned above, the caller may be unable to provide the rescue personnel with the location. This delay may be the difference between life and death.


Non-cordless landline phones do not use batteries. Cell phone batteries need to be re-charged, and usually at the most inopportune times. Knowing that your house has a reliable, always accessible phone, gives you peace of mind should an emergency ever arise. As a cell phone provider, we would also like to take this opportunity to stress the importance of keeping your mobile phone charged and always have a car charger in your vehicle. Landline phones have a permanent location in your house. You can leave your number “by the phone” for the babysitter, and be assured they can find the number and the phone if there is an emergency.


Your Number is in the Book

When you have a landline phone, your telephone number will appear in area telephone books, many online directories, and your telephone service’s dial-in information directory. This means your friends, business associates, children’s teachers, and members from your community can find you when they need to reach you.


Having problems receiving long distance calls?


Because the technology and networks are different with every long distance carrier, sometimes there are connections that either don’t get made or get lost in translation; resulting in phone calls not going through. If you find out that this is happening to you, that there are long distance calls that you are not receiving, inform the person placing the long distance phone call that they need to contact their carrier. The request to examine a possible problem must come from the person placing the call. There are two reasons that the request must come from the subscriber who originates the phone call:


Although these problems don’t occur very often, with the changes in technologies and networks, it isn’t surprising that there might be a few connections that are getting lost in translation.


Other FAQ’s related to Telephone Service


After Hours Repair Service: (800) 417-8685 (toll-free)
Our call center will take your message and forward onto the technician on call. A technician is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to handle your emergencies.


For service during regular business hours call Customer Service:
749-2531 Out of area: (877) OMNITEL (666-4835)


What are your Corporate Office Hours?
Nora Springs Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday: Closed


What if I have a question after hours?
You can leave a message on our answering machine or email any questions you might have, day or night to question@omnitel.biz and we will get back to you our next business day.


Channel 12: channel12@omnitel.biz


MEGAtalk Refill Machine Hours:
Mason City @ the Cenex Ampride Store on the corner of 1st St. SW & Monroe Ave.
Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 7 days a week
Charles City @ Buy Low North, 1200 North Grand
Hours: Monday - Saturday 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sundays 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.


WestsideWireless Hours:
Monday – Wednesday 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday & Friday 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.