Abstract: Telephone service for a subscriber served by an underground or aerial cable is reinstated (or new service is established) by providing a ribbon of a low tensile strength insulating material having a spaced pair of low tensile strength conductors therein. The ribbon is strung between the subscriber's telephone terminal and an uninterrupted connection to the central office, and in parallel with the severed cable to provide a temporary, low injury risk, above-ground conductor until repair of the cable is completed.