'Outdated' landline charges should be scrapped

gw3tmh

I think we are arguing with a lack of knowledge here? you cannot test the copper line for a broadband fault, if it's not actually being used for broadband.

I have no doubt that there is now a loopback test in the local cabinet, operated remotely or something similar to test for faults.

Something similar is used to test the undersea amplifiers/repeaters on undersea cables.

littleboo

gw3tmh wrote: »

We are moving from my original post, which was suggesting a way to use a landline number without the need for a landline. Ken

But you do need a landline to use VOIP if you're broadband is via ADSL or FTTC, which the vast majority of peoples is, since those are services that are delivered over a copper pair. The only thing you don't need is dial tone

gw3tmh

No you are getting confused, VOIP is an Internet only protocol, you don't need a copper pair at all to use it.

You can use it over a mobile phone if you wish.

At present I am on holiday in Spain, and know people who don't even have any connection to where they are, and use a UK landline phone number connecting to the Internet via WiFi of in some cases microwave dishes.

VOIP is totally independent of the old copper pairs and telephone exchange, in the same was as Skype.

lee111s

gw3tmh wrote: »

I think we are arguing with a lack of knowledge here? you cannot test the copper line for a broadband fault, if it's not actually being used for broadband.

I have no doubt that there is now a loopback test in the local cabinet, operated remotely or something similar to test for faults.

Something similar is used to test the undersea amplifiers/repeaters on undersea cables.

I'm referring to a copper line test. Not specific to what services are being used on the line.

gw3tmh

Do you know that for a fact? as I remember 20 years ago a remote loopback test was being fitted to data lines to enable remote testing, and these days tests are carried out remotely by connecting to the modem/router in your home, and checking on the stats/noise level/error count and so on. This will no doubt also be doing done remotely to the new fibre cabinets. Ken

kwikbreaks

It's just another dipstick politician grandstanding on a populist platform on a topic he knows nothing about. The pricing is already split - line charge and call package.

Those who want to avoid a line charge have two options - go 3G/4G only which is going o work out more expensive unless the usage is trivial or goto VM cable if available where they will find BBonly costs just as much as BB + phone.

bengalknights

kwikbreaks wrote: »

It's just another dipstick politician grandstanding on a populist platform on a topic he knows nothing about. The pricing is already split - line charge and call package.

Those who want to avoid a line charge have two options - go 3G/4G only which is going o work out more expensive unless the usage is trivial or goto VM cable if available where they will find BBonly costs just as much as BB + phone.

Or if there in a pure fibre area go to providers such as B4RN, hyperoptic, city fibre etc who all offer just data lines only that work out cheaper than line rental in some cases

kwikbreaks

Yes - I didn't mention independent fibre providers as they are available in so few areas. Nor other wireless providers than the mobile phone companies because they too are available to relatively few people.

Satellite broadband is available just about anywhere but it's a very expensive option.

For the majority ADSL or VDSL delivered over the Openreach network is just about the only viable option and ISPs will simply alter the pricing of their broadband packages to include line rental if they can't specify it as a separate item.

I can understand the annoyance of those incapable of understanding that maintaining the infrastructure is not decreased just because they don't use a landline phone. What I can't understand is that no matter how many times this gets pointed out they still bleat on.

I don't use a landline phone myself. I have FTTC from Plusnet and use Vonage VOIP for landline calls asit offers so many advantages over landline phone such as seamlessly and cost free diversion of incoming calls to an app on my mobile. Now I get the benefit of hearing all about green deal boilers, PPI claiming, etc. etc. wherever I may be. At least I would if I didn't use call blocking.

lee111s

gw3tmh wrote: »

Do you know that for a fact? as I remember 20 years ago a remote loopback test was being fitted to data lines to enable remote testing, and these days tests are carried out remotely by connecting to the modem/router in your home, and checking on the stats/noise level/error count and so on. This will no doubt also be doing done remotely to the new fibre cabinets. Ken

As far as I'm aware, there is no pure copper line test equipment in the fibre cabinets.

kwikbreaks

lee111s wrote: »

As far as I'm aware, there is no pure copper line test equipment in the fibre cabinets.

I too believe that all of the line test equipment is in the exchange. There is certainly nothing in the normal street cabinets as they are simply junction boards. They could have put a tester in each FTTC cabinet as it is powered but why would they bother as the required kit is already in the exchange.