In 1986 we moved into a rental house while our new home was being built. I was working IT from home and did not know that the rental was on a party line. Every time I got my modem connected someone would pick up the party line and drop my call. Had to set up an office in the in-laws basement.
Around 2000, when Hubby was contracting for government sometimes he’d have to do remote work.
It was only dial-up to connect with our EarthLink provider using an 800 number. It was fine when we were home in CA.
He tried it once from Mom’s very remote family farm in Western NY. Direct dial hasn’t totally caught on there yet. Oh you could dial the 800 number ... no problem. But before it connected, an operator came on and asked, “What number are you calling from?” It broke the connection every time.
He had to go to my cousin’s office in town to be able to work.