International Calls Block BT Phone Lines

Crabman

I'd be interested to find out whether I'm being unreasonable here.

We get the odd international sales call. Sometimes it's a silent call.

However, 10 minutes later the phone line is still blocked and it is not possible to make outgoing calls.

I'm fed up of phoning the operator or BT to be told it's "normal" for a domestic landline to be completely unusable for however long the international call stays active, irrespective of whether the phone is closed on the UK landline.

What if someone needed to dial 999 in that time? What happens then?

Why do international calls have the ability to block a UK landline and why does BT not care about this very serious safety issue?

Thinking in more sinister terms, what's to stop a burglar using an international phone to call a house, thus block the line and then break in? The homeowner would be unable to call for help or communicate via the landline.

DVardysShadow

I think you have an excellent point. It is one to take up with that useless regulatory body Ofcom as a technical issue.

BT_company_representative

Hi Crabman,

If you wish I can test your line to make sure there are no faults with your service. If you are unable to dial out for any period of time then I can look into this for you. Can you email you account details and also include your MSE username and a link to this thread and I will get back to you about this. Our email address can be found by clicking on our profile.

Thanks

Shane.

Crabman

Thanks for your response.

The line has been tested and there is no fault.

I would also point out this is a widespread problem across the BT network, not an isolated incident. Hope you will be able to look into this and let us know what you find.

Antispam

I have had this problem before too, it took around an hour to actually make a call although I haven't had it lately.

I do however ignore most silent calls and especially ones that say 'out of area'

PS your lucky to get response from BT, Rep on here ignoring me.

There CS is a complete joke, one reason to get rid of BT permanently

JohalaReewi

A long time ago, a landline call could only be terminated by the caller. Seems like the new improved BT exchanges still have the same feature. There was a posting in this forum a while back which told you how to unblock your line in this very situation. Will post the link if I find it.

Antispam

I wish you could ban cold calling, silent calls etc I dont want my phone as a marketing tool

I love that device true call

Antispam

Good to see BT rep very selective on who he wants to help. I note he constantly PM's people on forums and replying to many BT threads just not mine

I suppose I aint profitable for BT :DMay it long continue

BargainGalore

I left BT years ago, best move I ever made. Diabolical company

Crabman

I hope one of the BT Reps will reply to let us know that this is being looked into

BT_company_representative

Hi Antispam

Apologies if it seems like you are being ignored.

Send me a mail to the address in my profile and we can assist you further.

Cheers

Stuart