BT Line / Socket
 

Hey guys,

My ISP & Phone supplier is BT. I am using BT Total Broadband, though my connection is really bad, I swear it is due to the BT cable and the main socket (we only have 1 main socket).

Every time I phone support, an Indian tech guy just repeats the same script that I hear every time, and for some reason they always want to connect to your computer and share the screen, which I don't allow.

How can I get a engineer out to properly test the line and socket, because each time they say there is no fault. I suffer from lose of connection now and again, there is quite a bit of noise on the phone.

Is it possible for me to force them to replace the cable going to the house, and also put in a new socket?

Any advice would be great. BT say the most I can get is 2MB, but I know for a fact I used to have a 3MB connection, but now I barely even get 1MB. I play a lot of online games (COD4 PS3), and it doesn't help having a poor connection.

Thanks

Re: BT Line / Socket
 

I am sure you can get BT "phone" side of things, to do a line noise/gain test. Especially as if your saying the quality of sound is poor. Request one, as you say your getting distortion on the phone side of things.
Once that is sorted out, you might be able to rule that out or in as one of the main problems.
I would go down that route first, before getting in touch with BB Tech Support.

Re: BT Line / Socket
 

Thats a good idea I think BT Res Faults is 151 from your BT phone :)

Re: BT Line / Socket
 

Thanks guys, I will phone them on my lunch break and see what they say.

Re: BT Line / Socket
 

Pringles,

Here are a couple of things to try... I'll go from cheapest to most expensive...


1. Replace the ADSL Filter

2. Replace the RJ-11 cable that connects your ADSL Modem / Router to the phone socket.

3. Replace the router (if it is a router you use) or modem. Even better, if possible borrow one to test with.

4. Get the master socket replaced or if you are handy with a screwdriver do it yourself. If as you say there is only one socket in the house then there are only 2 wires to worry about, get them the wrong way round and the phone doesn't ring... if that happens turn them round :-)


If after trying the things above the problem is still there, then you are in a much better position to argue that there is a problem with your telephone line as you have eliminated all other possibilities

I have had 1 - 3 cause issues on ADSL lines with disconnections, poor speeds and the connection freezing. Not had a master socket issue before, but I suppose they can go wrong.

Options 1 and 2 are obviously the cheapest. But don't overlook the 3rd one.

I work in IT and do some IT support of an evening for a few small businesses. One of them moved premises about a year ago. Their ADSL router had been working fine for more than 2 years with no problems, they moved 3 miles and got hooked up with the same provider and had no end of problems with disconnections and poor speeds. At first I thought it was a problem with the line, remember the router had worked flawlessly for a long time so it had to be the line.....

BT did numerous tests on the line and found no faults.... turned out to be the router... don't overlook the obvious


Hope this helps you get it resolved.

Berkut

Re: BT Line / Socket
 

Have a read of this too mate

http://www.beforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=8152

check the bit about the noisy line, if your line is noisy bt may do something about, disconnecting the ring wire made a 3 meg difference to me, 10 meg up to 13meg on BE adsl2+.

Re: BT Line / Socket
 

Didn't get round to phoning them, so might try at the weekend.

Is it safe to touch those wires if I was to replace the socket myself?

I am going to replace my extension wire this week, and buy a new router within the next few weeks.

Where do I buy the sockets from, any store like B&Q?

Thanks again guys, I really appreciate the help.

Re: BT Line / Socket
 

I'd have thought B&Q would stock them but if BT would change them for nothing I think i'd go down that avenue first, they can only say no cant they?

Re: BT Line / Socket
 

Safe yes, Although those wires belong to BT and you shouldn't touch them.
Anything from the Master Back is BT's.

There's ~50v DC across the pair unless the phone happens to ring at the time then its ~80v AC, its enough to make you jump but it shouldn't do you any harm* (although might cause a problem if you have a pacemaker.etc)