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Friday 21st May 2004
Registration problems with the Milton Keynes BT Trial
Some members are having problems getting registered on the Trial.
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Even more confused...earlier this afternoon the database changed and said
I maybe able to receive broadband....now its changed back to line too long
again! Richard, Bradwell |
I have just read your latest email especially the bit about
the revised message
Last week when I placed the order with Nildram they replied that I was too
far from the exchange - then all the mix up but okay to go on the trial -
When I checked availability last week got the same "too long" message.
This morning Nildram advised have placed my order.
I have again checked the availability at BT checker and now get the new
message.
I assumed the new message was linked to the trial - in that all 01908
numbers can now be on the trial.
Or does this mean my order through Nildram has been placed in the normal
manner and is not now part of the trial?
Will BT still send out an engineer to my home, if they can't get it to work
in the normal manner - or does this message allow them not to do that.
[If it does not work - then you go on to the trial.]
Can you answer any of the above?
Incidentally I received this revised message back in November and
subsequently found that I still couldn't get Broadband
I am wary of this message because of this - and wary of BT having seen the
comments at the ISP page - and am not convinced they will do all they say to
get numbers working
Any thoughts?
Phil, Rivers Estate
[I'd talk to Nildram.
Explain the message has changed, and that you will not be able to go
on the MK BT trial. You should be able to place a normal order.
BT will check you number against the database and disallow you from
the trial.] |
Today I checked my account info on the NDO site (hadn't
received any emails from them) and found a note saying that the order for MK
trial had failed because the line is too long. A helpful chat with a guy at
NDO customer services established that the reason for the problem was that I
have ISDN and BT won't do conversion orders.
But, I pointed out to the NDO guy that the BT line checker has changed to
Amber for my line and I have now placed a standard ISDN conversion order!
This guy also told me what I have been told several times before; the only
way to test an ISDN line is to visit the customer's premises and carry out
the line test at the same time as removing the ISDN. Does anyone on the list
know how accurate this is?
I have tried 3 times previously to have a conversion order placed. The first
time it was Amber, but then after waiting in for the engineer a call the the
ISP determined that BT had checked the line and it was out-of-reach! The
second order failed simply because BT now had the line 'Red' and it was
refused. On the third occasion I explained my problem and asked the ISP to
try and get a retest. The order went through, I waiting in for an engineer
and didn't see one. Another call to the ISP, and guess what, a line test had
shown I am out-of-reach.
If I finally get an engineer to visit this time and then get ADSL I shall
not be very happy. I'm not that hopeful though as I am not sure how long the
line is, so I shall probably end up with a failed install anyway.
One question that occurs...
Is BT doing anything different when setting up trialists ADSL compared with
a normal 'Green' install?
Damon, Wavendon Gate |
|
Seeing all the stories of other people suddenly being told that they were
being okayed by the on-line broadband checker, I thought I'd give my line a
whirl. After checking several times recently I've just done it again and got
the thumbs up!
But should we believe it? Should I cancel my trial-related order with
Freedom2Surf and go with Virgin, my current dial-up ISP?
What to do, what to do...?
Ryan, Heelands |
From the other postings on this list, I'm obviously
not alone in having my line status mysteriously change from "Absolutely not"
to "Maybe" on the day I apply to take part in the trial. As far as we know,
the wires in the ground haven't changed, so there must be some other
explanation.
I can think of three possibilities.
1. The original readings were wrong and we were falsely denied broadband
service all these years. So BT created this whole furore by getting its
measurements wrong.
2. The new measurements are wrong. So we will be refused participation in
the trial, but we still won't be able to get a standard broadband
connection.
3. (Seems to me most likely) BT's left hand anticipated a successful trial
and lowered the acceptance threshold to allow for use of the long reach
technology, so that anyone with a hope of making use of it became a "Maybe".
Simultaneously BT's right hand decided to exclude "Maybe"
ratings from the trial, so anyone who might be successful is excluded.
Any other offers? With business methods like this, who needs sabotage?
Frank, Kents Hill |
|
The message I get for my number( 01908 392xxx) has changed from 'too
long' to 'should', however I have just contacted BT broadband sales and they
have stated that I cannot get broadband because the line is too long.
Do you know if other people are getting the same response from BT.?
Also they know nothing about the trail.
Kishor, Middleton |
BT is still refusing to allow me to join the long reach
trial because my line "tests green" (who decided these arbitrary red and
green areas anyway?).
Meanwhile, the 'normal' broadband people refuse to let me have broadband
because a physical check of my line tests "red".
Is this catch-22 situation affecting many other broadband action group
members? The logical response should be that if my line should be "green"
and a physical check shows it to be "red" then it's faulty and BT should fix
it. But life is too short to have that pointless conversation with a BT
call-centre "robot"!!
I am now convinced that BT is running a deception campaign designed to show
that broadband is available in many areas where they know it isn't available
i.e. the problem in Milton Keynes is much bigger than they admit.
It would be very interesting to plot the broadband action group members on a
map and see where the non-broadband areas really are, compared to where BT
says they are.
Robert, Middleton |
I have just phoned BT to check on costing of a new line and
then BB on that line before losing HomeHighway.
First of all he said my number on his system showed I could not get BB....I
told him the BT site says I can! His answer was ''oh best to use the web
site as that is more up to date than our system''.....AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH
Ian |
| I am loathed to apply through the 'normal' channels only to
have a line test and be rejected because of high DB losses and then find
there are no further places in the trial program.
Here's my email trail:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Sirs,
I am concerned that you have not done a line test and have merely retyped my
telephone number in the availability checker.
Please see the text below from an earlier communication with BT on the
subject of the database and my lines DB loss.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard
Thank you for your mail.
As you know, in September 2003, the limits were increased from 55dB to 60dB
for broadband availability. Part of the programme to increase 'reach'
involved amending all database records for existing customers to reflect the
change. This meant that where a customer was previously showing red on the
checker and were now within the new limit, had their status moved to amber.
This also meant that those customers who had a precision test done by an
engineer and this was recorded as over 55dB but under the new 60dB had their
status changed to green.
As your phone number is still saying no (or red) then this is because at the
time of your application with Tiscali, your line will have tested at over
60dB. Please note that the critical measurement is decibel line loss not
length of telephone line. Unfortunately, this also means that there is
nothing further that I can do to progress your order at this time.
I am sorry that you will find the news disappointing. Please stay in touch
with the MK action group as we will post any relevant updates to them
directly.
Regards
Serena
Serena Shukla
MK Broadband Helpline
BT Retail Customer Satisfaction
British Telecommunications plc Registered Office 81 Newgate Street LONDON
EC1A 7AJ Registered in England no.1800000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No work has been done on this line so the DB loss will have remained above
60 (RED) and I suspect the database that has been altered to incorrectly
reflect the line status.
I am loathed to apply through the 'normal' channels only to have a line test
and be rejected because of high DB losses and then find there are no further
places in the trial program.
N.B. If I were a suspicious person I might consider that the broadband
availability database had been deliberately massaged for marginal areas like
Walnut Tree and Wavendon Gate in order to restrict the trial to longer reach
customers potentially leaving those on the borderlines in limbo until the
trial phase completes.
I understand that there are associated costs to running this trial,
minimising these by excluding anyone who can obtain a satisfactory service
through normal channels is a sensible business proposal. However, not
including customers on the trial because of incorrectly perceived
information would be a short sighted manoeuvre.
I am eager to get broadband and have no particular disposition towards being
a Guinea Pig on the trial but I have to concern myself with the fact that a
physical line test is the only way to be certain and the only one performed
on the line to date indicates that I should be a trialist.
Your proposals are awaited.
Best regards,
Richard
-----Original Message-----
From: Consumer Broadband [mailto:mktrial_consumer@btinternet.com]
Sent: 21 May 2004 10:46
To: Richard
Subject: Re: Your Extended Reach Trial application
Dear Richard
We have checked once again against the number you gave us (01908 325xxx) and
the result is below:
+++++++++
Good news! Your telephone exchange is Broadband enabled!
All you need to do now is place your order by clicking on 'Order Broadband'
and if your telephone line passes all the necessary checks you could soon be
enjoying all the benefits of BT Yahoo! Broadband.
Your telephone exchange is Bradwell Abbey This exchange has broadband (ADSL)
technology.
Because of your distance from the exchange our initial check indicates only
the following product range is available to order on this line:
BT Yahoo! Broadband (512kbps), this is up to 10 times faster than a standard
internet dial-up modem.
+++++++++
The result indicates that you can place an order for further test, so this
does not qualify for the trial. BT wholesale will only take triallists with
a 'red' line test result, which is not the case on this number.
You can place an order online (www.btyahoo.com/broadband) to take advantage
of the free modem offer, or alternatively, call our sales desk on 0845 601
2949 ((8.00am-10.00pm, Mon. to Sat.) and they will be able to help you
further.
I hope this has been of assistance and thanks once again for your interest.
regards
BT Yahoo! Broadband team
To order BT Yahoo! Broadband now, click here <javascript:getOrderNowURL('home','','',telno);>
.
Order now <javascript:getOrderNowURL('home','','',telno);>
We'll need to carry out a further test on your line once you have placed
your order.
----- Original Message -----
From: Richard
To: Consumer Broadband <mailto:mktrial_consumer@btinternet.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 20, 2004 4:52 PM
Subject: RE: Your Extended Reach Trial application
Dear Sirs,
A physical line test showed this was not the case, please include me in the
trial or arrange for an engineer to re-check and confirm.
Many thanks,
Richard
-----Original Message-----
From: Consumer Broadband [mailto:mktrial_consumer@btinternet.com]
Sent: 20 May 2004 16:36
To: mktrial_consumer@btinternet.com
Subject: Your Extended Reach Trial application
Thank you for offering to take part in the Milton Keynes Extended Reach
Trial.
We have carried out some tests and are to say that you can now get Broadband
at the number you gave us.
There is not need to take part in the extended reach trial and you could be
enjoying all the benefits of Broadband from BT in just a few days.
To place your order, simply go to
http://www.bt.com/broadband/bb_info.jsp and choose the product
that will most suit you.
Thank you again for putting your name forward.
Best wishes,
BT Yahoo! Broadband Team |
I thought I'd pass on the contradictory results of trying
the Long reach BT trial, not good I'm afraid. Also looks as if I'm snookered
as I live in Bow Brickhill and that has now gone pear shaped.
Is there anything else I can do other than hope for NTL to come through in
July?
N.B. When I type my phone number into the checker I get the following:
For Telephone Number 01908375XXX on Exchange MILTON KEYNES
Your exchange has ADSL broadband.
Our initial test on your line suggests that you may be able to have an ADSL
broadband service that provides up to 512Kbps download speed, but the
upstream bandwidth will vary according to the length of your telephone line.
It will not be possible to provide the 1Mbps or 2Mbps ADSL broadband
services.
If you decide to place an order, a further test will be performed to confirm
if your line is suitable, and if so for what speed of service.
Thank you for your interest.
>X-OriginalArrivalTime: 21 May 2004 09:50:53.0905 (UTC)
>FILETIME=[1B5D5410:01C43F19]
>
>Dear Sir/Madam
>
>We have today tried to order ADSL on telephone number: 01908375XXX
>
>However, the BT system is unable to accept the order as the initial line
>tests have given a 'red' reading, which unfortunately is an automatic
>failure. This is because the line is unable to support ADSL at all due to
>poor stability but also you may be too far away from the exchange.
>
>If you have an alternative number for Nildram to try ordering ADSL on,
>please contact us and we will update your order accordingly and re-submit
>to BT for survey.
>
>I am sorry that the news isn't more positive.
>
>Best regards,
>
>Nildram Customer Care
|
We have applied a couple of times through different ISP’s
in the past and been rejected for the line being too long.
So I applied for the long reach trial through NDO.
First we entered the order incorrectly on their website and applied for
standard ADSL. The reply came back that BT had rejected the order because
our line was too long and wouldn’t support ADSL.
OK our fault, re-submitted the order with NDO specifically for the long
reach trial. BT came back with not eligible because we passed as green in
their pre-order check and they are only accepting those that test as
definite red.
NDO have been great and are now trying to get hold of an actual person at
BT.
Carl |
Our telephone # 01908 67xxxx always showed up "Too far from
the exchange"
When the trial come up I checked our phone # in the checker and it said its
fine! I placed an order with PlusNet, and it has come back as poor line
quality. Weird as 10 metres away broadband is running perfectly on another
line!
I asked if we could be placed on the trial and the guy passed my details to
the relevant department.
I checked the website today and it says...
e.Co shows line check red/amber despite last order failing. At present we
are unable to submit an order until the line check is Red.
What do I do? Can I bug BT as another line 10 metres away is working fine?
Or can I get the telephone number on the trial?
I'm not sure who to phone or contact?
Please Help!!!
Thanks
Dave |
Yep, last night my ISP emailed me to say that BT are going
to activate my BB TODAY! Could it be that BT have decided upon investigation
that I don't need to be part of the trial?
I'll need to get hold of a modem/router in a hurry ;)
Peter. |
There seems to be parallel action within BT in addition to
the trial - My line showed green last week after 2-3 years of showing red. I
placed an order with my ISP (AOL) and they report that BT are going into the
exchange on Monday 24/5 in order to perform engineering work to allow
broadband????
Richard |
Got this rejection today even though i told them to use my
standard line and not my ISDN line.
"Thank you for offering to take part in the Milton Keynes Extended Reach
Trial.We’ve carried out line tests and detected that your line has one of
the following
· ISDN
· Home Highway
· MidBand
· Optic Fibre
· Another ADSL incompatible product on the line
Unfortunately, this means that at present we cannot include you in the
Trial.
Please accept our apologies and thank you again for putting your name
forward.
Best wishes,
BT Yahoo! Broadband Team"
I have written back asking to consider my other line for testing, like I
suggested.
Andy |
My BT Broadband was activated two days early!
It seems bizarre that only 8 days ago I was too far from the exchange!
I have BT business 500, my company is 100 % BT for telecoms, so the
Broadband goes with them as well! They get a rough press, but I have no
complaints, and have found them much more helpful and friendly lately than
they used to be.
Thanks
Hughe |
I got this today - which sounds like good news.
But when I tried to apply I got the usual rejection!
Phil
----- Original Message -----
From: Consumer Broadband <mailto:mktrial_consumer@btinternet.com>
To: mktrial_consumer@btinternet.com
Sent: Thursday, May 20, 2004 4:36 PM
Subject: Your Extended Reach Trial application
Thank you for offering to take part in the Milton Keynes Extended Reach
Trial.
We have carried out some tests and are to say that you can now get Broadband
at the number you gave us.
There is not need to take part in the extended reach trial and you could be
enjoying all the benefits of Broadband from BT in just a few days.
To place your order, simply go to http://www.bt.com/broadband/bb_info.jsp
and choose the product that will most suit you.
Thank you again for putting your name forward.
Best wishes,
BT Yahoo! Broadband Team |
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