Odd BT dial tone

[jockaneezer]

Elderly next door neighbour has just been round, her BT landline is not making it's usual standby dial tone, instead it's more of an up and down "police siren" type tone. Phone works ok for calls in and out and contacted the BT automated fault service who tested the line and they say it's ok. Unplugged all the phones and tried my phone ( which works fine in my house ) and got the same iffy dial tone. She's got early onset dementia and is starting to get a bit worked up, thinking someone is trying to get through and she may be running up a massive bill. Anyone got any ideas ? A call from a BT engineer will cost £130 if the fault's in her property.

 

[Baycott]

I have had this "up and down" dialling tone since we switched to Sky for our phone service. Doesn't seem to be a problem although it was a bit worrying at first.
Hope that helps.
John

 

[Baycott]

Just a thought, could you plug her phone into your house to check it's not her equipment then call BT if it's a line problem????

 

[mjltigger]

Some features like voicemail can change the dial tone. More than possible the Mumbai Muppet she spoke to didn't think of that...

 

[jockaneezer]

Thanks for the prompt replies but the problem is now solved. She has BT answering service and that tone alerts you to the fact you have unread messages, good old t'interweb

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[chaser]

Thanks for the prompt replies but the problem is now solved. She has BT answering service and that tone alerts you to the fact you have unread messages, good old t'interweb

Was going to sugest that ours does it all the time, surprised everyone hasn't got it with a bt phone though as its free

 

[daveandsan]

Was going to sugest that ours does it all the time, surprised everyone hasn't got it with a bt phone though as its free

I am not certain but I don't think this service is free anymore.
Edit, just looked its £1.75 a month

 

[chaser]

I am not certain but I don't think this service is free anymore.
Edit, just looked its £1.75 a month

Stand corrected, we have an all in thingy telephone all calls , broadband , tv , bt sport, so suppose it must be in there somewhere but not listed