I use Cox Cable, which has at least one long outage per month. Usually, when you call in, they'll acknowledge that they're having a problem, and that they're working on it. Other times...

Customer: Hello, I'd like to report a service outage in the _____ area.

CSR: There is no outage in your area, ma'am.

Customer: But I can't load webpages or watch TV. When there is no outage, I can load webpages and watch TV, and the lights on my cable modem are comfortingly steady. Now the lights on my cable modem are flashing an SOS signal.

CSR: I see. It must be your fault somehow. I'll send our burliest technicians down to your house to investigate and take fifty of your dollars.

Customer: No, like I just said--

CSR: While you're waiting for them, I'll send a test signal to your modem.

Customer: Look, I'm sure that isn't necessary. This has happened before. When my cable is down, it's always because of a widespread outage. There's nothing wrong with my equipment.

CSR: I assure you, there is no outage. We can categorically state that... wait... what's this?

Customer: Eh?

CSR: We do seem to be experiencing a problem.

Customer: Really?

CSR: Yes. With our test signal, we have established a connection to your modem. However, your firewall is making it difficult for us to probe the inner recesses of your computer. Would you mind turning off your firewall, ma'am?

Customer: What? I'm not going to do that!

CSR: May I remind you that our very burly tech team is about to arrive at your home? Your cooperation would be... appreciated.

Customer: But....

CSR: No "buts," ma'am. Now if you would kindly... Oh! Would you look at that.

Customer: W-what now?

CSR: While I was arguing with you, one hundred and seventy-six more customers in your area have called in to report an outage. That makes an even thousand. I guess we'll have to admit that the problem is on our end after all.

Customer: ...

CSR: Fear not, ma'am, we'll get right on it.

Customer: Great. Thanks for your... help.

CSR: Don't mention it. And before you go, might I interest you in switching over to Cox Digital Telephone? That way, the next time our entire array of services goes down, you won't be able to call in to report it!

Customer: I'll... uh... take that into consideration.

*hasty click*