Moving a master socket?

polgara

My parents are having a new kitchen fitted on the 14 July and have the master socket coming in at the top of the external kitchen door. Its very old with what looks like slightly exposed wiring going into it and then a new wire coming out around the kitchen to a new system phone socket about 3 feet away.

It'd be much better if the main socket came into the living room as they're both disabled so can't use the phone in the kitchen (would mean standing by the phone) and I'd also like to fit wireless broadband for them to use (me when visiting).

Would it be easier/cheaper/quicker to get an additional line installed or move the existing socket. The line is with BT and calls are with talktalk - was thinking of moving to a all in all line/calls/broadband provider (I pay the telephone bills for them).

Minimal downtime is essential due to my dad's condition though my mum does have a mobile so could make emergency calls if needed.

jhp

Some useful info here: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=740391&highlight=moving+master+socket

davetrousers

Just get a digital cordless set, with 2 or 3 additional phones. That way the 'Base' unit sits near the master socket and then you can have the 'satellite' phones wherever you like in the house.

notbritishgas

BT currently have a special offer until 30 june whereby they will provide a brand new line for £29.99 as long as you sign up for 18 months contract.

This will be far far cheaper than calling them in to move the master socket, and really they are the only people who should touch that.

So as long as they are not in a contract with their existing line (because you will cease that as soon as new one is provided) and do not mind having a different number, this would be the cheapest method.
Of course you would have to persuade the openreach engineer to feed the line into your parents lounge.