Exchange Status Checker

[#1]

Whilst I can't comment on the invisible exchange, Phil did update the checker yesterday for the ADSL side of things.

[#2]

Having kicked up a fuss and finally it being updated it looks like it's being allowed to slip again.
Last updated date is showing as 18th September 2009

[#3]

I think you're complaining on the wrong website.
Suggest trying this one.

[#4]

Not impressed by that reply. But I will do as you suggest.
http://www.plus.net/support/broadband/products/value_pro/value_faq.shtml#value3

Quote

3. Why does the area I live in affect the price I pay on Plusnet Value? Under Ofcom regulations introduced in May 2008 we benefit from reduced supply costs at certain exchanges (known as Market 3 exchanges). We'll pass these savings on where they are available.     * Read about the exchange categories in our Residential Broadband FAQ     * Find out which exchange area you live in

That is just one example of where the exchange checker is linked - if Plusnet are disowning it and blaming the lack of updates on PUG I suggest that all links to it should be pulled from the Plusnet official websites.

[#5]

James,
The exchange checker is updated by Phil Richardson, and always has been. It's nothing to do with PUG, I'm afraid and we are not in a position to update it.

[#6]

Colin,
I presume it would be an easy task for you to remove it from the Usertools website?

[#7]

I really don't think removing it is the best approach here, we need to make sure it's updated more frequently and that there's a defined (and regular) process for doing so. Like you've already mentioned, it's linked from a hell of a lot of places.

[#8]

I have to say that I agree with the esteemed Mr Pullen; removing it is not the best approach, and I'd be loathed to do that anyway.

[#9]

I don't want to see it removed, but out of date/misleading information is worse than no information.
I am totally at a loss to understand why it isn't part of somebodies official tasks to keep it updated; if it is such that only Phil can update it, work to make it so that it can be done by anyone is long overdue!

[#10]

jelv, I'm going to see if we can get some knowledge sharing/official procedure in place so that it's updated more frequently moving forwards. Not sure how easy this will be as I've no idea what's involved mind you.

[#11]

IIRC, login to a wholesale website, locate a CSV file, download it, then upload it to the server.. I've done it a couple of times before.

[#12]

Quote from: cso

login to a wholesale website

Presumably access to the FTP site is restricted to ISP personnel which is why PUG can't do it.

[#13]

Could it be automated with a cron script? 
Mike

[#14]

It used to be fully automated and actually got the updated CSV itself from a BT site, but BT changed the rules and stopped access to the data. As Colin said, you first need to get the CSV via protected access and then run the import script. I also remember Phil saying there can sometimes be issues with the import - BT changing the file contents / format so even with the automated method it did not always import fully/correctly.

[#15]

I was under the impression that PUG were ditching it anyway, and PN were to take 'official' ownership of it under the umbrella of their sites, rather than it appearing to be a part of our site and looking like we don't maintain it. (Which we don't, but if its not updated it should look as if its PN dropping the ball, not PUG.)