I think the idea that phone wire was exempt from the code started when these guys were working for Ma Bell and had a very strict set of accepted wiring practices. Now days the telcos hire trunk slammer "contractors" and anything goes.
Most are not licensed, in spite of a law in Florida that requires LV licenses. Phones are clearly 725 class 3 and I suppose some day the AHJs will start supervising these installations ... at least until the building slowdown is over.
I talked to my structural inspector yesterday and he said he is really slow. If it wasn't for residential remodels they wouldn't have much going at all. Even the commercial is starting to wind down.
