When you call Optimum's customer service, an automated message instructs you to enter your ten-digit Optimum telephone number, although the beginning of the recording is slightly clipped. If you don't enter your phone number, the automated voice message will repeat for two cycles (which aren't clipped, as the first one is) before instructing you to call 611 from your Optimum phone line to speak to a representative. After issuing this instruction, the call automatically terminates.
Through this phone number, callers aren't able to reach a representative unless they have an Optimum phone number to enter. This, of course, limits accessibility. A person may reach out to Optimum's customer service for a multitude of reasons: general information, questions or concerns about services, questions or concerns about an account and more.
Additionally, because callers are unable to speak their phone number and must manually enter it, accessibility is further limited. Callers may have limited vision, or conditions restricting their ability to use the keypad. There are also likely callers who need swift assistance, which the automated system doesn't exactly facilitate. There is also no option for any other languages, such as Spanish.
This specific phone number is the company's international customer service line. Optimum has numerous customer service phone numbers, some busier than others; the international customer service line is one of the less busy ones.
When you call and enter a ten-digit Optimum phone number, the average wait time is approximately thirteen minutes. Calling around noon, my wait time was fourteen minutes. Thankfully, after waiting in the queue, a person answers the phone—a human, not an additional automated system.
The person I spoke to was cordial and professional, but not overly so; they were still friendly and personable. I called about a service outage, and my questions were answered quickly. Typically, people will call customer support for service outages, technical support, questions about or to dispute a charge, make changes to an account or delete an account.
They seemed to be a bit busier than usual around noon, the time I called, so perhaps calling earlier in the day would result in a shorter wait time.
If you're unable to reach a representative or don't have an Optimum phone number to enter, you can call a different customer service line: 833-926-3027. This number is mainly for new customers, but prospective customers or callers with general questions should be able to receive assistance as well. If you're having trouble with that number as well, you can head to the company's website where there is a wealth of information, including a "Contact Us" link and a "Help" feature.
The "Contact Us" feature leads you to send them a direct message on X (formerly Twitter). The "Help" feature, located at the bottom right of the homepage, has a chat feature! It starts out automated to siphon your concern, and then, if the automated system is unable to be of assistance, you are connected to a representative.
I wish reaching a representative was a bit easier for those without an Optimum phone number, although the website is certainly helpful, as was the representative I spoke to.