Caller ID 30 April 2007 at 11:23PM in Phones & TV 14 replies 1.6K views

Infidel

Hi.

Just a quick question about caller id on a home phone. I presume this works in the same way as a mobile phone where you can either see the number calling you (or name you inputted for that number) or something like 'call' (if the person calling you has blocked their number)?

If this is the case do i have to have some kind of special phone? And if so will a call provider who i take caller id out with provide this or will i have to buy my own.

Thanks.

ManAtHome

You should just need a phone with a display. On BT, I get WITHELD or INTERNAT if it's a scamming !!!!!! calling (they get left for the answer machine), name if I have them set up in my dialling list, or the number if not.

Infidel

Oh right. Do you know if it's possible to block numbers on any of these services?

malamute

On BT you can block withheld numbers Anonymous Call Rejection but it is a chargeable service see http://bt.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/bt.cfg/php/enduser/cci/bt_adp.php?p_sid=LRu28rAi&cat_lvl1=345&cat_lvl2=350&cat_lvl3=362&cat_lvl4=1084&p_cv=4.1084&p_cats=345,350,362,1084&p_faqid=8482

ManAtHome

Yes, if you're prepared to pay for it. When the phone rings, I normally glance at the display - if it has a name I answer, if not... machine!

Heinz

ManAtHome wrote: »

You should just need a phone with a display. On BT, I get WITHELD or INTERNAT if it's a scamming !!!!!! calling (they get left for the answer machine), name if I have them set up in my dialling list, or the number if not.

But, of course, that may result in you not answering a friend who's sensibly using 1899, 18185 or 18866 for a peak call (calls via those cheap providers frequently display 'International' because they are routed out of the UK and back in again).

Biggles

Or a friend who's sensibly having his ID withheld automatically (I don't want every salesman I've ever phoned with a speculative enquiry putting my number in his book!).

Infidel

Heinz wrote: »

But, of course, that may result in you not answering a friend who's sensibly using 1899, 18185 or 18866 for a peak call (calls via those cheap providers frequently display 'International' because they are routed out of the UK and back in again).

Mmmmm. I also thing places like hospitals etc. have the withhold number built in, so it's not ideal is it.

ManAtHome

Yes, but all of the above would leave a message... like they do when I'm out.

malamute

I'm with the NHS and when withheld number is rejected (Anonymous Call Rejection) we redial to allow number to be shown.

Infidel

malamute wrote: »

I'm with the NHS and when withheld number is rejected (Anonymous Call Rejection) we redial to allow number to be shown.

Sure, but what happens if it just caller id, the NHS call will just show up as 'call' or whatever - essentially the same display as when one of the annoying sales reps/automated dialler system calls you.