Verizon DSL doesn't like corroded copper wire

We've had Verizon DSL service in our awesome 1951 built house (I assume 1951 phone lines?) for the last 5 years with very little problems. Two weeks ago we had Verizon install a new wall jack and ever since there has been all this static on the line and the DSL goes in and out. My wife threatened to divorce me and move into the Starbucks parking lot which has a working wifi connection.

We called DSL tech support and met a very nice young Indian man. (Oddly enough he had a very American name.) He seemed a little nervous to keep his job though. Almost as if someone else was listening to our call and judging him on his performance. He kept reading stock questions from his playbook and repeating the same questions over and over. "Is the DSL connected directly to your computer?" "Yes." "Thank you sir, now is the DSL connected directly to your computer?" "Yes." "Thank you sir." "Has the DSL ever worked before?" "Yes." "Thank you sir, now is the DSL connected directly to your computer?" "Yes." "Thank you sir."

We were on the phone together for about 45 minutes, turing the DSL modem on and off and trying it on every jack and with every phone line in the house. After 45 minutes I made it past level one (it's a video game!) and was allowed to advance to level two support. "You have been very patient sir, there will be a 3 minute hold period while I transfer you, please feel free to make yourself a nice cup of cocca or hot tea while you wait."

Level two support determined there was nothing wrong DSL-wise and referred us to Residential Phone Line support. They said be home all day Saturday between 8AM and 5PM and we'll come take a look.

http://twitter.com/andrewarrow/statuses/824288472

Well today, Monday they came at 8AM and found the problem. Corroded copper wire in the phone box out back. He replaced it. I heart Verizon.

Update: Verizon gave me a $25 credit for missing the appointment on Saturday.