Problems connecting to Verizon cell phones

[jhsanchez]

Recently, I cannot connect to Verizon cell phones reliably. There has always been a big delay in connection but it has, in the past few days become terrible. When I call, I hear silence for what seems like 30 seconds and then a couple of short beeps but no ring tone. The dialed phone eventually rings but when answered, there is a LONG delay before the connection is established.
Jim