dodgy phone wiring help

mr_methodical

The internet is stupidly slow (0.2Mbps) and can not make/receive calls. it was like this last year, then all was fine a a month or so, and since then, this. Sometimes there will be no internet either.

The phone line to the house comes via the pole across the road. I have tried to follow the 2-strand grey wire into the house, but it disappears into the door frame at the front of the house.

There is a master socket, but nothing has been connected to that for years.

there is only 1 socket that works in the house (not a master) and that is what is connected to the phone/broadband. I can follow the wire that is connected to this socket, and it goes outside, follows the main cable into the house, I can still follow the cable in the house, then it doesn't seem to be connected to anything. this wire seems to be an extension.

Now the question is...
Would it be cheaper to get an independent engineer out rather than having BT to come out, as it does seem more than likely to be dodgy wiring in the house, instead of been a fault at their end.

just to point out, all the equipment is working and set up correctly

talktalktobt

To me it does sound like your wiring is in the need of upgrading - but this might not be the source of your problem.

I would phone up your provider and ask them to check your line and also ask what speed you should be getting. They can do this remotely so you shouldn't be charged.

The line up to, and including the mastersocket is the property/ jurisdiction of Openreach. If this needs replaced you would have to have who you pay your line rental to arrange an openreach visit. You would need to speak to your provider to find out costs etc.

If your internal wiring is needing upgraded this can be done by an independent. I would make sure you get lots of quotes though - some charge ridiculous amounts.

mr_methodical

earlier this year we contacted BT (who we're with) about the problem, and according to them, everything was fine.

In terms of internet speed, we did get around the 16mbps mark when everything was fine

talktalktobt

You say that nothing has been connected to your master socket - I assume you have a secondary socket that is wired into that?

You need to get intouch with your provider to find out what they are supplying to you. Some issues can, in fact, be fixed with a few clicks of a button on there side - I hope this is the case with you.

Just my experience: we moved to TalkTalk and noticed our speed slowly reduce to the point that we were getting 0.5mps - we had issues getting them to deal with the situation and eventually left. Back with BT and now get between 8 and 9mbps.

It might be worth having a look at ThinkBroadband to see what others around you are getting in terms of speed (ThinkBroadband maps)

mr_methodical

the only thing that is connected to the master socket is an extension wire to another socket (that doesn't work, because the master socket is not connected to anything).
basically, the only socket (not a master) that works (and which is used) does not seem to connect to anything

talktalktobt

Your phoneline will come into your home via a master socket - it is that which has the correct gubbins in it to make the line work. I suggest you call your provider to ascertain your problem.