A method and system for providing an accurate service record to communication devices seeking modem-based services. The system includes a phone line detector capable of detecting whether a properly working phone line connection exists. This can be accomplished by detecting whether a phone line is actually plugged into a phone jack connected to a modem of a communication device. If a proper phone line connection exists, then the communication device generates a service record identifying, among other services, all modem-based services that the communication device can offer to other communication devices in search of a modem or modem-based service.