BT Long Installation Time

mpreed

I'm about to move into a new flat, and have contacted BT to activate the line. The earliest date they can give me for doing so, is February 7th - nearly a month away.

This is a major pain in the backside - can anyone offer any tips to get it installed earlier? The only advice BT could offer was to call back weekly and see if there are any cancellations.

gary38uk

I'm about to move into a new flat, and have contacted BT to activate the line. The earliest date they can give me for doing so, is February 7th - nearly a month away.

This is a major pain in the backside - can anyone offer any tips to get it installed earlier? The only advice BT could offer was to call back weekly and see if there are any cancellations.

you mean broadband? or just the telephone line?

mpreed

Just the telephone line.

It's a new build flat, and all I need BT to do is activate the line.

Despite the fact there's a white box with a connector in each room, BT still want £70+ for installation - although I was told the engineer may be able to do it all from the exchange so may not need to enter the premises. I'm still required to take a half day off work in case he needs access though.

And they can't do this until Feb 7th.

Once the line is up and running I'm off elsewhere for my broadband access.

gary38uk

if its a new build they want the £70 as they have already done the work but want someone to pay for it.

dont think they need to vist house, just connect up in exchange.

think i would complain about the date you been given.

vinnie_boy

Im sure it can be all done remotely ie flick of a switch or a few keystrokes on the keyboard! But i guess they physically need to send an engineer to the exchange to see what is what first.

I'd ask to speak to a senior member of staff.

New business should be first

mpreed

I got the person I spoke with to escalate the long lead time to her manager, but he wouldn't budge.

Even when I told them it would probably mean I would cancel if I could find anyone who could do it quicker.

I suppose my question is - would other operators face the same delay? Do they need to go through BT to activate the line?

Would using the post office's new deal speed things up at all?