Talktalk - Do They Use Bt Lines?

[Singh]

Guys,

Am I correct in assuming that TalkTalk basically use the BT network, and do not have their own phone lines etc?

Got a few issues with an alarm system that is monitored and hence uses the phoneline. TalkTalk is the tele service provider, but the alarm system is reporting a line fault which prevents it from being set. However the phone lines seem to work (can make and receive calls, use the net etc). The alarm company is saying from their diagnostics that the line is weak/carries a weak signal, hence is causing issues. They are coming to look at the alarm system tomorrow.

TalkTalk cant detect any fault on the line from their diagnostics.

Just wanted to know if they are talking crap, or if there is such a thing a weak telephone lines. If so, who is responsible for this (since I can make/receive calls, and use the web I guess TalkTalk say there is no issue). Is this down to the household to resolve, or the service provider?

[ljc8165]

Even if its a weak signal mate, its down to the service provider to resolve the issue to ensure you get a strong signal and robust alarm communication. In my experience talk talk were s*** when I went with them saying call charges would be cheaper etc etc.

If you want a good monitored alarm setup you cant go wrong with BTredcare.

[Singh]

Even if its a weak signal mate, its down to the service provider to resolve the issue to ensure you get a strong signal and robust alarm communication. In my experience talk talk were s*** when I went with them saying call charges would be cheaper etc etc.

If you want a good monitored alarm setup you cant go wrong with BTredcare.

Cheers mate, the alarm was working fine until a week ago, hence wondering what could have changed. No issues with the alarm company or their monitored services etc. Had them for a good few years, always got excellent service. Its a bit like BTredcare.

And the point about if Talk Talk use BT lines, is that even if i swtich to BT, im still using the same line, hence get the same issue - unless I am missing something here to do with telecoms technology in that moving back to BT, I might bet better service on the same line?

[ljc8165]

Cheers mate, the alarm was working fine until a week ago, hence wondering what could have changed. No issues with the alarm company or their monitored services etc. Had them for a good few years, always got excellent service. Its a bit like BTredcare.

And the point about if Talk Talk use BT lines, is that even if i swtich to BT, im still using the same line, hence get the same issue - unless I am missing something here to do with telecoms technology in that moving back to BT, I might bet better service on the same line?

If Talk Talk are piggy backing BT's line (which is probable) then you have 2 companies passing the hot coal back and forth between each other, it always happens. If you are with BT for the line and monitored system then only 1 company has responsibility.

You say it was working fine, then problems..................... not had any work done at the premises have you? Someone cut a wire maybe (although that would stop the system altogether and you'd be unable to set the alarm)

[Singh]

Was all fine till a week or so ago.

Talk Talk charge for the line rental, and calls, so I have nothing to do with BT (but guess the actual line is a BT one that Talk Talk piggy back).

The alarm system is by an independent firm.

Not had any work done on the property, not had issues with loss of phone/net service etc. It could just be an issue with the alarm, and hopefully the engineer can resolve that tomorrow. Talk Talk diagnostics cant detect any line faults.

Talk Talk is a waste of time, and wish the contract was not with them. But some people just cant be told!

[ljc8165]

Was all fine till a week or so ago.

Talk Talk charge for the line rental, and calls, so I have nothing to do with BT (but guess the actual line is a BT one that Talk Talk piggy back).

The alarm system is by an independent firm.

Not had any work done on the property, not had issues with loss of phone/net service etc. It could just be an issue with the alarm, and hopefully the engineer can resolve that tomorrow. Talk Talk diagnostics cant detect any line faults.

Talk Talk is a waste of time, and wish the contract was not with them. But some people just cant be told!

Mmm, sounds like a problem with the front end equipment which will probably be a entrance door detector, PIR's, etc which go back to a comms box in a cupboard somewhere. This is then connected to the BT line (but you have the contract with TalkTalk) which comms to the monitoring company. I'd say the problem lies with the front end comms box as you still have service for phone and internet. If this is the case then the engineer should be able to diagnose this and swap out the box which should resolve.

[mit]

Generally BT own the copper that goes into your house (or office or wherever).

There are Ofcom rules that say BT have to let 3rd party phone providers use that copper to provide you with a line, so you might not necessarily pay line rental to BT but they still own the physical wires.

If there's a fault, you have to take it up with your telephone provider. They will then communicate with BT and whoever else they need to for it to be fixed. If you go direct to BT they will just refer you back to TalkTalk, so you just have to wait while they argue with eachother.

[Singh]

Thats the problem. As far as Talk Talk are concerned, there is not issue, the line works (telephone/internet).

I hope the engineer detects teh fault (the alarm panel is specifically stating "Phone line fault"), so I doubt its a sensor/PIR/detector etc. I hope its just an internal connection in the alarm control box to the phone line. If its not, its a nightmare trying to get Talk Talk to recognise there is a fault with the line, and take time to investigate it. They run basic tests and say the line is all good.

Will see what happens after the engineer has been.

[mit]

Have you plugged a phone in and tried calling your home phone or mobile? If that works then you know yourself the line is fine.

[Singh]

Have you plugged a phone in and tried calling your home phone or mobile? If that works then you know yourself the line is fine.

Tried that Mit, as I say, I can dial out, dial in, use the net.

Hence I suspect its the Alarm that is at fault.

[ljc8165]

Thats the problem. As far as Talk Talk are concerned, there is not issue, the line works (telephone/internet).

I hope the engineer detects teh fault (the alarm panel is specifically stating "Phone line fault"), so I doubt its a sensor/PIR/detector etc. I hope its just an internal connection in the alarm control box to the phone line. If its not, its a nightmare trying to get Talk Talk to recognise there is a fault with the line, and take time to investigate it. They run basic tests and say the line is all good.

Will see what happens after the engineer has been.

He should be able to replicate an alarm situation while on site at the box and if it doesnt flag an alarm........... voila, problem right there!!!!

Good luck with it and keep us updated (would love to know if I was right )

[mit]

Yeah, I just realised you said you tried that when I clicked add reply lol

I reckon it's probably the alarm box on that basis as well, or possibly the number it dials at the other end has a problem?

[ljc8165]

Yeah, I just realised you said you tried that when I clicked add reply lol

I reckon it's probably the alarm box on that basis as well, or possibly the number it dials at the other end has a problem?

Doh!!! Keep up Mit..........

[Daz 330 Cs]

You are quite correct in you're OP, Talk Talk do not install phone lines , they simply use the existing BT lines .

[Singh]

So the engineer came round at manage to get the system working again.

He said he installed a capacitor (or such like) to reduce the voltage spikes on the line. The sensors etc all checked out fine, no issues. He beleives that Talk Talk are running digital services/exchanges on analog lines (if that is possible). He basically says they have seen this same issue with lots of people who are with talk talk. What needs to happen, is that BT are upgrading lines to be digital, but Talk Talk are not waiting for that to happen in all cases - hence issues come up with too much voltage on the lines causing a fault.

I dont know how much of this is true, accurate or valid, but that what he told me, and he recommended swtiching back to BT who ultimately own and manage the lines (and who dont mix these services until the lines/network are all correct to support it).

Any telecoms techies on the forum able to give any advice on this?

[mit]

lol engineer is just feeding you lines to get you to switch to BT.

My question if he said that would have been "Isn't that the same as an ADSL? That's digital lines over an analogue circuit too, and it works fine!"