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Help - we need an engineer

(16 Posts)
Littleannie Sat 21-Mar-20 20:02:24

Our land line phone has developed a fault, a loud buzzing which makes conversation impossible. Our mobiles are only pay as you go. I phoned BT who tested the line and said they will have to send an engineer on Tuesday. I am terrified of this because of the virus. But we can't manage without the phone for what could turn out to be months. What would you do?

tanith Sat 21-Mar-20 20:20:35

The engineer will probably be checking the line and box from outside your house first hopefully he may not have to come inside. You have checked it’s not your receiver that’s at fault?

EllanVannin Sat 21-Mar-20 20:21:09

I'd ring them again tomorrow and tell them a white lie about needing it that it's your only means of contact.

EllanVannin Sat 21-Mar-20 20:27:20

I know what it's like because I was left without the phone for nearly 4 months as I kept getting told it was my phone and it wasn't. In the end, 3 months later an engineer found a broken connection inside one of the green boxes in the road.

People could ring me but I couldn't ring out. Because I was online I kept pestering them with emails to which they would then ring me so that I could have another go at them, but nearly 4 months !

GabriellaG54 Sat 21-Mar-20 21:46:15

Why not get a rolling monthly SIM contract from PlusNet (or another provider) who have very cheap deals with unlimited calls and texts plus 2GB data for under £7 pm?
At least you won't get cold/scam calls and will not be reliant on landline phone.

Mapleleaf Sat 21-Mar-20 22:21:50

When I had a problem with my landline a few months ago, it was dealt with remotely and the engineer did not need to come into my home. He did ring me to say it was sorted, though.

Oopsadaisy3 Sat 21-Mar-20 23:03:58

We’ve always found BT to be very good, we have bad mobile reception where we live, they fixed the problem from a hole in the road on the same day they came out.

Littleannie Sat 21-Mar-20 23:16:34

They have already told me they need to test the socket which means coming into the house.
Thank you Gabriella, I don't want a mobile contract, I just want my landline mended.

Littleannie Sat 21-Mar-20 23:18:23

The whole point of my post was that I am worried about an engineer bringing the virus. I know BT are good, we have been with them for donkey's years.

Oopsadaisy3 Sat 21-Mar-20 23:24:17

Give them a pair of gloves to wear when they get to your door and then step away from them at least 6 feet.
If they get too close to any surfaces , wipe them down with disinfectant spray.
Sometimes we have no choice but to let engineers in, I’m sure by now that they are used to the new ways of working.

GabriellaG54 Sun 22-Mar-20 00:36:57

Fine but can I correct you. The SIM deals are not, not a contract. You can stop any time.

GabriellaG54 Sun 22-Mar-20 00:41:48

I'm pretty certain that the engineer doesn't want to be near you any more than you want him in your house. It works both ways. He might think that you could be harbouring the virus.
He'll have been given gloves and they usually have protective shoe covers at all times anyway. Either you want it fixed or you don't.

GabriellaG54 Sun 22-Mar-20 00:44:32

A lie is a lie, white or any other colour.

Littleannie Sun 22-Mar-20 09:49:47

I really don't understand your comment 'a lie is a lie' Gabriella. Are you calling me a liar?
Keep your nasty comments to yourself.
Oopsadaisy - thank you that is a good idea.

NanTheWiser Sun 22-Mar-20 10:08:00

I think GabriellaG54 was referring to EllanVannin's post about using a white lie, Littleannie, it was not directed to you.

GabriellaG54 Sun 22-Mar-20 10:14:29

Yes, sorry. I forgot to put EllanVannin's name.
Thanks for explaining NanTheWiser ??