Crackling Phone Line

[JamesWoodhou]

My phone line has an intermittent crackling noise which is also causing me problems connecting to the internet (I use dialup). I either get a poor connection (16 bps instead of 42 bps) and/or get disconnected after a few minutes. Phoned BT who recommended unscrewing the main box and plugging the phone line directly in there. This has no effect. Am reluctant to call them out in case it's a problem with my phone/something internal as I could end up paying �70 callout charge.

Any help/advice greatly received as this is annoying.

[KebabMeister]

Have  BT conducted a line check?  They can do this over the phone.  They can also increase the gain (can't think of the proper word!!) to improve signal.  If this doesn't help then they might have to come out and physically check the phone cable/telegraph pole.  This shouldn't be at your expense because you're renting a line that should be working correctly. 

[dcullum]

By removing the faceplate from the BT master socket and pluging your phone into the socket behind, you are effectively disconnecting all of the internal extension witing in your house. If you try another telephone in this socket, and it still crackles, then the line between your house and the exchange is at fault. Ask BT to do a remote line check, as this is free and can be done without an engineers visit. If you have carried out all the above actions, I would not hestitate to call out an engineer.