Phone oddity

Simon · Jan 09, 2009, 21:21:42

This is nothing to do with IDNet, or their phone services, but when I make a fairly regular call to a particular landline number, there is a 4-5 second pause before I hear the ringing tone. I know this happens when a call diversion is placed on a line, and it also happens when dialling some 0800 or 0845 numbers, but this is a normal geographical number, with no diversions or anything on the line. I doubt they even have caller display.

I just wondered if any our communications gurus might have an idea as to what might be going on?

Sebby · Jan 09, 2009, 21:56:02

It could be because they're on an LLU phone service, such as Talk Talk.

Simon · Jan 09, 2009, 22:17:52

Hmm... they have recently got a new computer, but I don't know what the set up is.

Rik · Jan 10, 2009, 10:29:02

The other thing might be if they are on one of the few 21CN exchanges.

Simon · Jan 10, 2009, 12:40:32

Not yet, Rik. East Grinstead: 21CN WBC status: RFS date set: 31/03/2009

Rik · Jan 10, 2009, 12:54:56

Well, that's my one idea out of the window.

It's not even that far away.

Simon · Jan 10, 2009, 13:36:18

It's just odd that it only happens with this number, and no one else's. Lines can't be 'hijacked', can they? I've just got this vision of all calls to that number being routed via Calcutta, and receiving a huge phone bill in a month or so.

Rik · Jan 10, 2009, 15:14:09

They can be, but usually by the people with the number. It would be worth checking on what Sebby suggested.

Simon · Jan 10, 2009, 16:28:13

I will, next time I speak to them, but I doubt they'll know what LLU is, let alone whether they're on it. I might be able to find out the ISP, but that's about it.

Rik · Jan 10, 2009, 16:32:33

Just ask who they pay their phone bill to...

Sebby · Jan 10, 2009, 17:52:10

I think if you're calling a geographical number, Simon, you can only be charged at that rate.

Simon · Jan 10, 2009, 18:02:12

Thanks, Seb. It's just a curiosity, really.