BT master socket - who is responsible?

ploverman

My broadband speed began to get very flakey and finally died altogether in December. My ISP is the Post Office. Various test were performed within the home, finally connecting a known working wired modem via a new micro-filter directly into the master socket. The modem's DSL indicator failed to light indicating no DSL connection to the exchange. The Post Office performed a 'line' test and reported no problem!
The master socket box is extremely old (no internal test socket) with all wire connections on the pcb along with some electronic components mounted on the faceplate itself.
Discussing with The Post Office about the likelihood of the master socket being at fault, I was told a new one fitted by BT would cost approx. £140. Surely it is the responsibility of BT to replace it free of charge, after all I pay £15 per month line rental. I was told the master socket is my responsibility and I should buy and fit new one myself to avoid the cost. I thought it was illegal to tamper with BT' equipment?

AndyPK

If yours is an old one (smaller than a light switch) it is up to them if it is faulty.

ploverman

Thanks. It's about the same size as a light switch. I'm going to buy a new one and fit it myself.

JJ_Egan

ploverman wrote: »

Thanks. It's about the same size as a light switch. I'm going to buy a new one and fit it myself.

If BT Open Reach come out to a fault then the non BT fitted ms will be the first box ticked and incur the standard call out charge .
Inform BT you have intermittent call problems and that you suspect the old master socket is faulty .

Retrogamer

The line test being performed is a very basic test which only will fail if there are significant faults on the line blatant enough to trigger something.

How many telephone sockets does your home have in total? Try removing all equipment from all other sockets, then plug the filter and router into them individually to see if the DSL light comes on.

If it doesn't, i can't see you incurring any charges as you've tried to eliminate it being your equipment as best as you can.
When i worked with an ISP a while back i certainly wouldn't be passing those charges to a customer unless it looked like they recently bodged in some extension sockets

AndyPK

may as well get them out now.

How do you know a new socket will fix it? and if it doesn't you will have to change it back and then get them out

Retrogamer

They'll likely fit a new socket regardless if it needs one or not to bing it up to current standards.

ploverman

Have now fitted a new master socket as advised by my ISP (Post Office) but still no DSL light. Contacted them again and they now say there just might be fault on the line!!!!!
Given that there are no extension cables in the house and the modem is connected directly via a new microfilter directly to the master socket it must surely be their problem. Also, the DSL light on the modem lit up when connected in another house. If BT do visit I will refit the old master socket beforehand.

Thanks for all the replies