Ex-Directory query

[Blindye]

Hi - my relative has an Ex-Directory landline number. I have entered this number into the Safe number list on my BT8500 landline system which also has the Call Blocker system on it. However, although I can call them with no issues, I find that they are unable to call me. Is there any way of sorting this or will I always have to call them~?

[truCido]

Ex directory isn't relevant to this, that just means the number wouldn't be listed in the phone book.

Are they possibly withholding their number?

What happens when they dial you?

[Kodikid]

Given that no one uses landlines anymore and phone books are no longer published does ex directory still exist? 

[Kimberlin]

@Kodikid 

I’m surprised that you didn’t search for the answer, so I did that for you 😉

https://www.bt.com/help/landline/calling-features-and-security/how-do-i-sign-up-to-ex-directory-serv...

[Kodikid]

Like I said the phone book is no longer published ( finished March 2024).

So how can your number be excluded from something that dosnt exist?

[Kimberlin]

The physical phone directory no longer exists but directory services via phone certainly do. Bizarrely, there are still folks out there that are happy to pay stupid amounts of money to have someone at the end of a line, find a number for them.

You can therefore still ask for an ex-directory number, but you have to actively manage it with whoever is providing your landline service.

[Kodikid]

I feel those folks out there "happy to pay stupid amounts of money "are the elderly who don't know how to use the Internet and are being taken advantage of.

[Kimberlin]

@Kodikid 

Yeah, not sure I agree with you entirely on that. I mean, what age do you class as ‘elderly’? There are people out there under 20 who think that their 50 odd year old Grandmother is ‘elderly’.

The point is, directory services are still available and apparently if that link from BT is still current, you can ask to be ex-directory. Mind you, with the increasing decline in the use of domestic landlines, it’ll probably all be irrelevant in the next 20 years or so.