strange phone behaviour - any ideas?

(Virgin/Ntl line).

Phone rings, lift handset and hear sound of ring tone as if I have called someone. (But I haven't). I put it the handset down before anyone (potentially) answers.

Sometimes there is no ringtone but just background (line) noise - as if someone is on the line, but not speaking. However no voices whatsoever heard. If I replace the handset the line is still in use if I pick it up again. Is like this for 2-3 minutes before I can get the usual dial-tone.

The above has happened several times now. Are there two differnt things going on? Or are both part of teh same problem?

Any telcomm types out there know what may be happening? Thanks

Reply to
mike
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Probably a call centre's automatic kit.

They're using automatic equipment to dial numbers and then when you respond it "hands" the call to their staff. If the staff are running too slowly (or as the staff may argue, the kit is running too fast), the call gets dropped without a response.

You may want to get yourself de-listed from the these call centres, (well at least the legal ones in the UK). There's a 'phone number in the book that you can ring a request de-listing. This won't stop the horrids or the overseas calls but will knocj out most to the phantom calls.

Cheers EP

Reply to
ephraim_pule

Could be a line fault. Ask BT for a line test.

Reply to
The Natural Philosopher

Probably a pig-ignorant call centre.

Reply to
Tony Williams

on a >> (Virgin/Ntl line).

Reply to
Janice

You can get this if water is getting into the line somewhere.

Reply to
EricP

Maybe a marketing autodialer? I recall OfCom were criticising these recently.

Reply to
Steve Walker

Bulk dialing from a call centre.

Register your No. with the Telephone Preference Service;

formatting link
"The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) helps you to make sure your telephone number is no longer available to organisations, including charities and voluntary organisations who may telephone you with offers and information you do not wish to receive

Under Government legislation introduced on 1st May 1999 and replaced on

11th December 2003 by the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003, it is unlawful to make unsolicited direct marketing calls to individuals who have indicated that they do not want to receive such calls."

Don.

Reply to
Don Spumey

formatting link

Reply to
Bob Eager

Either way you get the same result! ;-)

Don.

Reply to
Don Spumey

In message , EricP writes

Rather than go with the conspiracy theories of call centres the water theory would be my first choice, if there is water in a junction somewhere then another persons ringing volts could be leaking across your pair and causing your phone to ring. Then when you pick your phone up you have a crossed line with whoevers line it was. Another annoying side effect of this can be that if the water presents a low enough loop then when someone rings you the call is immediately answered because the exchange sees the low resistance and thinks you have picked up the phone.

If it is this then the best of luck getting it sorted, if it goes away still pursue your phone company to find a fix as it will only reoccur next time it gets wet.

Reply to
Bill

Hello - is that BT? - I have a problem with my NTL phone line - please can you test it for me.

Reply to
mike

Aren't recalls not allowed?

Reply to
mike

That just makes it even more attractive to base your call centre in India.

Reply to
Mike Clarke

well phone NTL obviously in that case..

If its phone-by-cable all bets are off.

Reply to
The Natural Philosopher

It could be someone who's been admiring you from afar for a long time. Her name is probably Louise and since her cat Jasmina died she's realised that life can be short. So, she's started to phone you up but she becomes lost for the right words when you pick-up.

Only a guess of course, But it's the most likely answer. It certanly happens to me often enough. Last time it was a Veronique and we spent a month in Cornwall together as a result.

Richard

Reply to
treenoakio

ffs - why not just read the posts. He says it is an NTL phone. What is the point in suggesting he phones BT.

get a grip or is accuracy not a strong point.

Reply to
mike

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