Just for a bit more fun...
You can use the test that BT engineers use when they visit, before doing any more diagnostics:
The BT line test facility can be accessed from any BT (or WorldOnline) line by dialling 17070.
Quiet Line Test
Unplug any extention phones, extention cables, answer machines or fax (anything except the phone you will use to do the test!).
Plug a normal touch tone phone directly into the BT master socket; if possible into the test socket behind the faceplate.
Dial 17070, press option 2 (quiet line test)
You should hear 'Quiet Line Test' and then silence, there should be no pops, clicks, whistles, buzzing etc. If there is noise on the line, make sure it's not your phone's connection to the socket (wiggle it about a bit) and that you are using the master socket. If you are sure it's the line making the noise then dial BT (or WorldOnline) and report the fault, they should be able to sort it out. Remember that 'mis-reporting' a fault (e.g. if it turns out to be your phone, extention cord etc.) may be charged a call-out fee by BT (/WOL).
Distance From Exchange
Dial the same line test number as the quiet line test (17070). Then press option 3 (fast test) then press option 1 (to say you are authorised, don't worry about 'not being officially authorised'). The press option 2 (ring back test). Then put the phone down.
You will get called back by the test facility within about 10 seconds, one of the bits of information given will be distance from exchange (in kilometres).
*The distance result may not be accurate, but does serve as a guide.
(and, Keef, I sometimes have the same problem with BT test site; depends on the phase of the moon, I believe.
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