Way back in the day before computers and the internet "Ma Bell" provided a local information number to call if...

[brush]

you needed a plumber or AC tech etc./there was also the Yellow Pages. Does anyone know if there is such a thing or anything similar?

The reason I'm asking is that my internet service was down for nearly two weeks and I just got it restored yesterday (Cox, my service provider had ot send four guys...the first three couldn't fix it. Finally they sent the cavalry to the rescue yesterday, a competent one.

I've got a couple of old Yellow Page books but all the computer tech repair persons listed are out of business. Even the 'Geek Squad at Best Buy which used to provide in-house service seems to be a racket now. I called them and got a guy in Brazil, not local, who sent me a link to buy a component I would have to install myself. I didn't bite as I figured that would be a kiss-my-money-goodbye scam.

Anyway, getting back. to my original inquiry, is there a thing as a 1-800-information number or some such? It's kinda frightening how dependent we become on the internet to provide info on goods and services.

[Donkees]

1. Public Library?

[Vogon_Glory]

2. Also, some towns' public libraries have computers with internet connections

Hopefully the on-line listings have phone numbers.

[Katinfl]

3. I think about that all the time.

I know of 2 people that do not have cell phones or the internet. Both are house bound due to medical reasons and they are living in the dark ages. I guess they rely on old phone books and old Yellow Pages. They are so out of touch with everything it is a shame. They are both intelligent women who chose not to advance with the rest of the world and they are not about to begin now. I don’t think you have to be glued to your phone or computer all day, but at least have a working knowledge of them. It would make life a lot easier for them.

[Oppaloopa]

4. i was like that

only recently got a cell phone. I just got a small yellow phone book in the mail yesterday.

[Marthe48]

5. I got a new phone book last week

for Parkersburg, WV. I might be getting one for Marietta, Oh., and 1 that covers the mid-Ohio Valley. I keep them in case I need to let my fingers do the walking

The library is a good source to find local businesses. Ask at the reference department. If you have any kind of community or career centers locally, they might have resources that support their classes, such as current students who need hands on training, or recent grads trying to get started. Many DIY stores have a notice board where locals businesses display they cards or description of their services. Some businesses still advertise in the local newspaper.

[AllaN01Bear]

6. i have a cell and land line , cell when i am by myself for medical reasons and land line for when i am at home

i also keep a old analog dial phone for when the power goes out

[Marthe48]

7. Good planning!

I have my cell phone, and so far, it's been enough.

[AllaN01Bear]

8. i use a cordless normally , but when the powe goes out , and u dont have one what do u do ?

[Marthe48]

10. I wait it out

I can get in my car and use the charger in it. Not too far from a couple of stores or town. That isn't a solution for everyone. So far, it isn't vital for me to be in touch. Thank God.

[question everything]

12. Same here. Land line is important so others in the household can answer and listen to messages left

[AllaN01Bear]

9. i keep old phone books as they have information in the front on how to shut off water ,etc,

after a disaster . cant do that when communications a r disrupted.

[justaprogressive]

11. 411

1= 07 -2023
New York CNN —

The operator is going off the hook for millions of customers.

Starting in January, AT&T customers with digital landlines won’t be able to dial 411 or 0 to reach an operator or get directory assistance. AT&T in 2021 ended operator services for wireless callers, although customers with home phone landlines can still access operators and directory help. Verizon, T-Mobile and other major carriers still offer these services for a fee.

On a notice on AT&T’s website, the company directs customers to find addresses and phone numbers on Google or online directories.

“Nearly all of these customers have internet access to look up this information,” said an AT&T spokesperson.

But a century ago, the operator functioned as Google. Everyone knew it as “Information.”

https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/07/business/telephone-operators-411-att-ctpr]