Moved in, but still active phone line!

Mary222

I have just moved into my rental property, and there is still an active phone line. It seems the prior tenants have not disconnected the line.

I have a BT engineer coming out in about a week, to connect my phone line as well as internet!

Is he going to be able to do it with an active phone line arleady there?

I am panicking as I need internet for my business.

Help!

DUTR

Perhaps the previous tenants have arranged for the line to be disconnected, you may have dial tone, but may not be able to make calls other than to emergency services.
The 'magic' will be performed at the exchange so no need to panic.

Mary222

I did a test call, and was able to make a call.

Unfortunaltely the prior tenants did a runner, so I am stuck with an active phone line, possibly preventing me from getting my own internet and phone!

TheKeymeister

All it means is the engineer might not have to come into your house. If you like, ring them and let them know as it means the connection just needs doing in the telephone exchange and not in the street. Dial 17070 to find out the number of the line to let them know (you'll get "This circuit is defined as" and then the number)

It should also mean that they don't bill you for a connection fee as they just need to change jumpers in the exchange (just as if you changed landline number or broadband provider). I think they did away with 'soft ceases' where the line was disconnected but still had dial tone for emergency use, but I don't work there any more so can't confirm

Mary222

You really do not know how much i appreciate these speedy responses! This really is an excellent forum, helpful people with informative answers.

Anyway, I am starting to feel a bit more reassured. I panicked as I thought they would be like the electricity company, where they could not transfer to my name without the account holder (prior tenants) approval.

That wouldnt happen as they have done a runner.

So, BT does not need approval from the prior tenant to close the line, and reconnect to me>? And there is no waiting period?

Thank U!

TheKeymeister

Mary222 wrote: »

You really do not know how much i appreciate these speedy responses! This really is an excellent forum, helpful people with informative answers.

Anyway, I am starting to feel a bit more reassured. I panicked as I thought they would be like the electricity company, where they could not transfer to my name without the account holder (prior tenants) approval.

That wouldnt happen as they have done a runner.

So, BT does not need approval from the prior tenant to close the line, and reconnect to me>? And there is no waiting period?

Thank U!

Can't answer that unfortunately - I was an exchange engineer, didn't deal with the sales/billing side of it. Just give them a ring and explain, the sales team are based in the UK during the day.

Make a note of the existing landline number from 17070 first and see what they say. From that number they can work out the routing and hopefully not have to go in your house. It'll still take time though as an engineer has to physically run new bits of wire in the exchange and they have lead times for that work

DUTR

TheKeymeister wrote: »

All it means is the engineer might not have to come into your house. If you like, ring them and let them know as it means the connection just needs doing in the telephone exchange and not in the street. Dial 17070 to find out the number of the line to let them know (you'll get "This circuit is defined as" and then the number)

It should also mean that they don't bill you for a connection fee as they just need to change jumpers in the exchange (just as if you changed landline number or broadband provider). I think they did away with 'soft ceases' where the line was disconnected but still had dial tone for emergency use, but I don't work there any more so can't confirm

I can confirm as my line is soft ceased, I get dial tone , but OGB and no BB connection.
The OP won't want to retain the current number if the previous tenants have upped and offed, but may still get a connection fee.

TheKeymeister

DUTR wrote: »

I can confirm as my line is soft ceased, I get dial tone , but OGB and no BB connection.
The OP won't want to retain the current number if the previous tenants have upped and offed, but may still get a connection fee.

Interesting, I cancelled mine a few months back and straight away got NDT, suppose it depends on demand in the dp/cab/conc

Le73Uq86Uv

All the engineer has to do is switch to a new number at the exchange.

Nice simple job for him.

macman

If there's a tag still on the line (from another ISP, not BT), then that might delay the provision of your broadband service. However if you are having a new number, that may not be an issue, as effectively it's then a new line.

Mary222

Yes, I will be installing a new isp to what the prior tenants had. I however, will be installing a new line.

I presume I am safe?

Thank U!