topic Engineers not fixing landline problems in Home Phone

Engineers not fixing landline problems

wgmacnab — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 20:00:02 GMT

For the second time in a fortnight, I have had no landline for four days. On both occasions the deadline given for a response by engineers has come and gone and the problem has not been fixed. My broadband is also at 50% of past average. I seem to be having a lot of problems with Plusnet lately which is making me think of finding a more reliable provider.

Re: Engineers not fixing landline problems

jab1 — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 20:06:45 GMT

@wgmacnab You will not get any joy if you switch ISP - the service is still provided through the Openreach network, which is where the problem is. Presumably you have been advised of the possible cause of the issue?

Re: Engineers not fixing landline problems

greygit1 — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 20:40:30 GMT

Is the landline currently VoIP?

If not, then switching providers will likely lose you your landline. Unless you move to BT? (which underlies a lot of provisioning unless you have an option of cable/fibre).

(Footnote - during the past month or so my other half lost mobile phone connectivity - and associated mobile internet coverage - for 2+ days whilst EE underwent some engineering work in the locatlity. I'm not sure how that squares with BT's assumptions that a local power outage bringing down their fibre network would be auto-magically covered by mobile phone coverage should an emergency arise.)

Re: Engineers not fixing landline problems

wgmacnab — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 20:53:36 GMT

Thanks for the message, no, I've not been told of any possible cause. I've been happy with Plusnet and its customer service so I'm reluctant to change. But the same problems twice in two weeks isn't a good look!

Re: Engineers not fixing landline problems

wgmacnab — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 20:56:29 GMT

Thanks for the message... I know landlines will soon be a thing of the past and not supported. I'll see what happens this time, I've been happy with Plusnet up until now – and to be honest, like energy companies, politicians etc, other ISPs will probably be much the same! I will stay with them if it's sorted in a reasonable timeframe.

Re: Engineers not fixing landline problems

jab1 — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 06:51:31 GMT

@wgmacnab wrote:

Thanks for the message, no, I've not been told of any possible cause. I've been happy with Plusnet and its customer service so I'm reluctant to change. But the same problems twice in two weeks isn't a good look!

Fair enough, and par for the course where OR and most ISPs are concerned, but it isn't PN's fault.

Re: Engineers not fixing landline problems

Baldrick1 — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 08:19:05 GMT

@wgmacnab wrote:

.. I know landlines will soon be a thing of the past and not supported.

For the avoidance of doubt, unless you stick with your current provider on the same package, analogue PSTN landlines have been a thing of the past for a month now. Any changes and your only choices are no landline phone or a VoIP service.

The remaining phone lines will go in the next two years, the shutdown has started for BT subscribers.

Re: Engineers not fixing landline problems

wgmacnab — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 10:40:38 GMT

Thanks for the message, we'll see how it goes!

Re: Engineers not fixing landline problems

wgmacnab — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 10:42:02 GMT

Thanks for the message and the info.... strange to think of a world without landlines though!

Re: Engineers not fixing landline problems

Baldrick1 — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 12:12:33 GMT

@wgmacnab

Apart from the phone being connected to the outside world differently and not working if you have a power cut, you will not notice any difference.

Neither will work if you have a problem with the connection to your property.

Re: Engineers not fixing landline problems

wgmacnab — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 12:17:08 GMT

Thanks, I know you're right, I have to move with the times! Regards, Will