Landline threatened by gales

dudwell · Dec 08, 2011, 19:20:50

Gale force winds have arrived here in Sussex, nothing like those reported in Scotland but enough to cause two power failures so far. I've been reflecting on the fragility of my internet connection. The phone line passes through and under a number of more or less decrepit trees as it makes its way along the lane to the village exchange. It's a bit late to do anything now but for the future I've several questions to which I think I may have the answers already:-

1. Can one ask BT to cut back neighbours' trees before they cause problems? Suspected answer: no.
2. When BT does cut trees back after a breakage do they send a bill for the work to the tree owner as I think they should? Suspected answer: no.
3. Is there such a thing as a 3G wireless dongle which can be purchased with pre-paid bandwidth and which can be kept unused indefinitely until the need arises? Suspected answer: no.

Any thoughts? I do have a basic mobile phone for emergencies by the way.

psp83 · Dec 08, 2011, 22:05:52

#3. I've not seen one where you top up and the money stays on it until you've used it all, if you do find one, let me know..

But I suggest you take a look at Three MiFi device as a backup.

Its pay as you go, £10 for 1GB etc etc, but if you don't use the allowance in 30 days you loose it. Allows you to connect up to 5 devices. Its saved my ass plenty of times.

Steve · Dec 08, 2011, 22:10:25

The MiFi is what I use at work and home occasionally and as you say Paul it keeps you connected. The other option is a smartphone with a personal hotspot function which acts then as a wifi access point. Both Android and iPhone offer this option and most providers will sell you a data package or include it in the contract, however you do need to have a provider that gives you a data coverage signal when at home.

Simon · Dec 08, 2011, 23:13:12

Of course, with a Smartphone, there's also 3G or Edge.

Gary · Dec 10, 2011, 00:30:01

Quote from: Simon on Dec 08, 2011, 23:13:12
Of course, with a Smartphone, there's also 3G or Edge.

Only if you live in an area covered by that...

Polchraine · Dec 12, 2011, 23:37:39

Quote from: dudwell on Dec 08, 2011, 19:20:50

2. When BT does cut trees back after a breakage do they send a bill for the work to the tree owner as I think they should? Suspected answer: no.

Any thoughts? I do have a basic mobile phone for emergencies by the way.

They certainly try to.

My neighbour works in "Network Protection" which advises other utilities about where cables run, depths, ducting &c. Then when a contractor hits a cable that he was told about, or had not asked about, or pull down overheads, trees interfere and damage lines &c they gather costs and invoice. The recovery rate is actually very high.

pctech · Dec 13, 2011, 09:51:20

A friend of mine has a three Dongle he left for 2 years without using and when he went to use it it was still functionali, seems three do not want to let you go.

davej99 · Dec 13, 2011, 11:22:48

Quote from: dudwell on Dec 08, 2011, 19:20:50
3. Is there such a thing as a 3G wireless dongle which can be purchased with pre-paid bandwidth and which can be kept unused indefinitely until the need arises?

Bought a Vodafone dongle over 2 year ago with £15 credit. This does not expire provided the dongle is connected briefly every three months. Still have £13 left, though my useage is only emergency GPRS.