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When my phone rings and I answer I just get static

maggiel50 — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 08:23:48 GMT

Up until yesterday I had no problems with my landline. Now when it rings there is just static and when I try to place a call silence. I contacted BT and they did the landline check and said no problems. The phone is new this year and I have no problems at all with the internet. Unfortunately the village I recently moved to has very bad mobile service so I do need my landline. Any recommendations please

Re: When my phone rings and I answer I just get static

Keith_Beddoe — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 08:32:52 GMT

@maggiel50

Try plugging the phone directly into the test socket, which is located behind the master socket. Just remove the two screws at the front.

Then ring your phone line from a mobile, and see if you still get the static.

If you still get the static, then you have a faulty phone line which you have proved out of your house.

Its also worth checking with another phone, just in case your phone has gone faulty.

You should not have a phone splitter plugged into that master phone socket, as its likely to cause problems.

Re: When my phone rings and I answer I just get static

Keith_Beddoe — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 08:44:52 GMT

@maggiel50

If you cannot test using a mobile, then,

Dial 17070 and select option 2, there should be no noise between the announcements.

You can also dial 17070 and select option 1, ringback test. Then hang up, and your phone should then ring, and you can answer it to see if there is still static.

Re: When my phone rings and I answer I just get static

maggiel50 — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 08:59:20 GMT

Thanks I will give that a go when I get back from shopping. Unfortunately with regards the splitter I have no other option, I don't think, as that is the only Open Reach in the house and I need it for the internet.

Re: When my phone rings and I answer I just get static

Keith_Beddoe — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 09:40:33 GMT

@maggiel50 wrote:

Thanks I will give that a go when I get back from shopping. Unfortunately with regards the splitter I have no other option, I don't think, as that is the only Open Reach in the house and I need it for the internet.

No, its not the microfilter that needs to go, its the phone splitter, as shown in your picture, that should not be there. It looks like its possible to release it as there may be a clip underneath.

The microfilter should be plugged directly into the phone socket.

This is the microfilter, and it must be the only thing plugged into your phone socket.

The picture below, shows the best way to test.

Re: When my phone rings and I answer I just get static

maggiel50 — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 13:29:19 GMT

Thanks Keith I cannot call as there is no dial tone and I did the other check you suggested again nothing. I guess I am going to have to buy another phone.

Re: When my phone rings and I answer I just get static

Keith_Beddoe — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 13:37:27 GMT

@maggiel50 wrote:
Thanks Keith I cannot call as there is no dial tone and I did the other check you suggested again nothing. I guess I am going to have to buy another phone.

Its a good idea to try or borrow a different phone to prove it. The fault you describe can be caused by an exchange fault, especially as your broadband is working fine.

To avoid the possibility of you being charged if the fault proves to be your phone, its a good idea to check with another phone, even a cheap wired phone (Less than £10), just to be sure.

If you still do not get dial tone, then you need to report it to BT, as unable to make any calls, no dial tone. You would not be charged for exchange or network faults.

Re: When my phone rings and I answer I just get static

maggiel50 — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 13:53:08 GMT

Thanks for your advice. I have decided to buy another one. My neighbours don't seem to have landlines even though mobile coverage is nil unless you are outside or live up the hill!

Re: When my phone rings and I answer I just get static

Keith_Beddoe — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 13:57:39 GMT

If you do need more help, or are having problems with BT accepting there is a fault, then please post back on this forum.

The BT Line test cannot detect faults within the exchange equipment (quite common), so they need to send someone to the exchange to change the equipment over.

Re: When my phone rings and I answer I just get static

maggiel50 — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 14:41:28 GMT

will do.

Re: When my phone rings and I answer I just get static

Jolamb — Tue, 04 May 2021 12:25:45 GMT

Hi, just to let you know I have had a few of these phones and when I have had just static it has been solved by getting new handset batteries. Maybe this was what was needed. Jo

Re: When my phone rings and I answer I just get static

maggiel50 — Tue, 04 May 2021 15:34:16 GMT

Thanks for your reply I had changed batteries and even bought new phone. BT just been out and it seems the problem was that someone had disconnected the underground connection

Re: When my phone rings and I answer I just get static

maggiel50 — Tue, 04 May 2021 15:35:58 GMT

Problem solved, BT has just been and it seems someone apparently had disconnected the underground connection! Thanks for your advice/help