Bakersfield College phone lines were reported to be non-functioning on Jan. 22, the first day of school. At around 10:16 a.m., phone calls made to the (661) 395-4011 number were having cell phone-like dropped calls.
“The calls were one sided; only one person could be heard talking,” said Director of Marketing and Public Relations Amber Chiang.
Normally, if a call were to be made, the dialer would hear an options menu by the automotive system. Callers who pressed zero would automatically go to an operator to answer any questions.
Because of the problem, the line was directed to Victor Crosthwaite, the receptionist. Crosthwaite accepted phone calls through his personal extension.
Unknown dropped calls were reported in the short time the lines were disrupted. At about 2 p.m., lines were back on track, and receivers were able to answer callers’ questions.