Blocked phone line

[Barmaid]

Someone obviously called here while I was out. Now I can't use the landline. If I try for a dialling tone, all I get is silence. I tried calling the landline from my mobile and I got an engaged tone. Trouble is, I don't know who called so I can't contact them by other means to tell them their phone is off the hook.

Any ideas how I can cut them off and free my line up?

TIA

(And yes, we have paid the bill!!!!)

[redcrx]

BT usually disconnect them automatically after a set amount of time with nothing on line

[Barmaid]

Any idea how long Red? I'm home alone tonight which is normally my night for gossip with the girlies!

[NazNomad]

I'd phone BT if it's not automatically restored within a few minutes.

[NazNomad]

... from another phone, obviously :-P

[AlBags]

15 mins usually .. auto-disconnect.

[NazNomad]

Can you hear any noises at the other end? have you got a whistle?

[wolf63]

ASBO has dug the line up whilst in pursuit of the big bully cat next door!

[Buenchico]

With old-fashioned, mechanical exchanges, some taxi firms would instruct their drivers that (when ever they were 'out in the sticks') to find a rarely-used phone box and to dial the number of a rival company, leaving the phone off the hook. That would prevent the rival company from taking bookings for several hours, or even days, until somebody replaced the receiver.

When electronic exchanges were introduced, BT introduced a system that automatically cuts off 'silent lines' after a few minutes specifically to prevent mis-use of the system. So, if you're line isn't 'self-clearing' there's a fault somewhere.

If you're with BT, phone [phone] to report the fault. Otherwise contact your service provider.

Chris

[Barmaid]

lol Wolf.

No I don't have a whistle - unfortunately. I suspect I know who it is - and unfortunately they are out with my FH.

It's already been at least 30 minutes and still no disconnection.

I tried the BT website and they say I have to carry out a line test. Well I can't carry out an effing line test because I need the effing computer to tell me what to do and the effing computer is connected to the effing phone line.

Grrrrrrrrrr.

[boxtops]

Can't you ring your FH and ask him if the person with him, dunnit, and what he's going to do about it...?

[scotman]

Apologies if this is a stupid question but how are you managing to post on here?

[Barmaid]

I have no idea Scotman - I suspect the same reason why I am able to make calls and still post on here.

Anyway, it works now. I called BT - that was a bit stressful because I have one of those stupid touch screen mobiles which "press options" when the phone is to your ear.

Clever BT man got me to unplug everything apart from the phone (enjoy picture of BM rushing round house thinking where the eff is the router and where the eff is sky). He says it is a fault with the broadband equipment. I think the FH actually did something stupid when he was looking for his wallet today - probably moved some wires or something. Anyway, it works now - so thank you all for your input.

Girlie phone calls now beckon.........