6 Weeks to install a new line

pryonic

I've just moved into new rented accommodation with my partner and when trying to set up my landline and broadband with Be I've been told there is a 6 week wait to get a new line installed, even though there is a phone socket in the house. Even though the last tenents only moved out 7 days ago it seems the line has already been disconnected.

What's worse is Be outsource their line connections to BT Openreach, as does every other alternative provider (including BT themselves) so even changing to an another provider won't help!

So, as someone who often has to work from home I'm now stuck on my slow and expensive mobile broadband for the best part of two weeks. The area is not cabled up so even Virgin aren't a work around.:mad:

This is just a warning to others who may be after a new line, request the install before you even move!

Heinz

Have you plugged a phone in to check for a dial tone?

pryonic

Yep - dead as a dodo.

Really can't think why the old line would have been disconnected so quickly

Heinz

pryonic wrote: »

Yep - dead as a dodo.

Really can't think why the old line would have been disconnected so quickly

It's certainly unusually quick - probably shows a shortage of equipment in your area or at your exchange and probably accounts for the 6 week wait too.

pryonic

I suppose that could account for it - it's unbelievably frustrating trying to work over mobile broadband.

This shouldn't happen in the 21st century

spike7451

Unfortunatly,the exchanges aren't manned so instead of sending a man out to do one cross connect in exchange 'A1' they wait until the are a couple of orders in that exchange or area.

ukcarper

spike7451 wrote: »

Unfortunatly,the exchanges aren't manned so instead of sending a man out to do one cross connect in exchange 'A1' they wait until the are a couple of orders in that exchange or area.

I’m not sure that’s the reason and to be honest I’m not sure they would wait for more orders they never used to.

Azari

It sounds as if they have some work scheduled to increase capacity somewhere along the line and the OP has to wait for that to be completed before they can effect the installation.

macman

Why have you asked for a new line when there is already an existing line, even if disconnected?

pryonic

What is the other option?

BT told me they have to send an engineer out as they class it as a new line.

Might as well order from Be who are cheaper

macman

Ask for a reconnection.
Have you actually tested the line to see if there is a dial tone on it? If so dial 17070 and find the number.
If disconnected, the cost is the same for a new line, but it's not the same procedure.
They will ask you to be at home on the day in case the OR engineer requires access, but usually they don't for a reconnection-it's just a precaution.