I have just moved into a new house, rented through an agent. BT have connected the phone line to exchange.

I have just bought a phone and there are points all over the house. However the only operational ones are upstairs in 2 of the bedrooms.

How easy is it to get the other points operational? I've heard that BT charge to send an engineer out. Would it be something i should ask landlord to pay (contribute towards) as it adds value to the house?

Any advice would be greatly received!

You could certainly ask the landlord whether he would consider paying for this, but don't be surprised if he says no as he seems able to let his property quite easily in its current condition.

If the phone sockets were mentioned in the particulars of the letting, then that would be a different matter, but as it was let through an agent they would have their usual overrider (nothing tested) clause in place.

BT would charge a small fortune to connect up the extensions - a local electrician would probably do it for a fraction of the price but you should really get the landlords permission if you want to do that.

Why not just run temporary extension cables yourself?

An electrician would be the cheapest option, bt would charge you a call out of £65 approx and £70 approx an hour.

The inactive points are in the lounge which is where i want to place the router, therefore extensions aren't ideal, especially trapsing down the stairs.
In general, would people have put these sockets in without throwing the cable round 1st? I.e. do you think if i took the socket plate off, there might be cabling there just needing connecting?
Thanks for your help!!

The property may have had two lines before and when your line was switched on the points that are dead wont be activated. If the wiring all goes back to one point i.e the main bt socket before the cable goes outside it wont be difficult for an electrician to re wire/connect it.

If you take the front plates off you may be opening a big can of worms!
Last edited by sweaty71 : 29-11-2006 at 04:02

But, if you're confident:

http://www.wppltd.demon.co.uk/WPP/Wi...telephone.html