@imjolly wrote:
which residential features are not working with DV?
I think reminder call was implemented within the local exchange software, and as the exchanges are going, that would no longer be possible.
Many of the other features you mention are added features within the exchange software on many of the exchange equipment types. Features like call barring are implemented on the network, so it should be possible to maintain those.
@Keith_Beddoe wrote:
I think reminder call was implemented within the local exchange software, and as the exchanges are going, that would no longer be possible.
That sounds about right. BT say that "Reminder Call is subject to availability" and, apparently, only System X exchanges can handle the 'Regular Reminder Call' (dial *56* instead of *55*) variant of the feature - also known as 'Repeat Reminder Call' and 'Reminder Programme Service'; that must be why BT don't mention *56* in the Calling Features User Guide for residential customers, but it's in the guide for business customers. It works on my line (so I must be on System X), but not on my workplace line some 20 miles away. Also, when doing a standard Reminder Call on my line I hear a voice prompt after dialling *55*, but there's no prompt on my workplace line. At work, I just have to complete the instruction by entering the time in 24-hour format, followed by hash; then I hear a confirmation of the time set, in the same voice as on my line but in a rather more 'stuttered' and less natural manner.
@Keith_Beddoe wrote:
Many of the other features you mention are added features within the exchange software on many of the exchange equipment types. Features like call barring are implemented on the network, so it should be possible to maintain those.
So a system of useful calling features that has been carefully built up over many years is to be largely jettisoned because BT can't be bothered carrying them across to the network as a whole? How is that 'progress'? 😓
Or to put it another way, why should a commercial company spend £millions developing software to continue a very niche service for a handful of customers that is not going to give them any return on the investment.
There's always one grump, isn't there?
If they were that uneconomical for BT, they wouldn't charge nearly £15.00 a month for the full Calling Features Pack and up to £7.50 per month for certain additional features such as Anonymous Call Reject. They're raking it in!
I'm sure the cost of incorporating all the features would be minimal, compared to the cost of implementing the digital switchover and even developing special handsets (for an increasingly 'niche' landline service!).
I totally agree with you Tim. DV switch-over is a major change for those that don't have broadband. But why are we talking about broadband? Are you saying DV only works with broadband? Not everyone has signed up to broadband! So how would it work, if they don't have a broadband connection? Everyone is supposed to be getting DV by 2025, not just broadband customers! 😃
They will be given a low bandwidth broadband connection sufficient for DV.
I'm surprised we are talking broadband! 🤔
The question in the blue box should read 'what about voice customers who don't HAVE broadband'? I know not everyone has phone lines that will work with broadband, unless they are changed, so I guess some customers will be getting new phones lines for DV to work.