I get a dial tone. However, when I dial a number, I get a message
> saying to call Verizon if I want telephone service.
That's known as soft dial tone. You can call 911 (and maybe the telco's business office), but nothing else. It's required in many places, for emergency situations. It also lets you know that the phone line is electrically connected to the CO.
Michael D. Sullivan Bethesda, MD (USA) (Replace "example.invalid" with "com" in my address.)