Landline noisy, phone won't ring most times.

[Sidious]

Could it be arranged for Openreach to attend as my landline has become noisy and the phone refuses to ring most times when the line is called.

The line is very noisy. I have done the usual of plugging straight into the test port of the NTE5. I have even tried the phone in a neighbours house, works faultlessly there!

Forgot to add, the FTTC Internet seems to be unaffected. Prior to testing using the test port, the VDSL connection had remained for over a month.

I am obviously prepared to pay the fee if the fault lies downstream of Openreach's responsibility i.e. if the fault is on 'my side' of the connection.

Thank you,

Ant (AKA Sidious)

[mandisa1-TT]

Hi there Sidious, please confirm if you are currently at home? so we can resume diagnostic checks.

[Sidious]

Yes it's an NTE5C with interstitial filter secured by screws. To anticipate what I think you're going to ask, I have tried just the landline phone in the test port of the NTE5 with interstitial filter and router taken out of the system. The crackling and scratchy are still there.

Thanks again,

Ant.

[siphosethu-TT]

Thank you for confirming that for me, will just continue with the checks, does the faceplate have screws on the front?

[Sidious]

Yes, the same issues with another phone plugged into my landline. I've also taken my phone to a neighbours house to see how it performs. No problem at, rings as it should and the sound is crystal clear.

Thanks,

Ant.

[siphosethu-TT]

Have you tried a different handset just to check if that might be the problem? Thanks

[Sidious]

It can dial out, it can receive calls if you know someone is calling, ie if I were to ring the landline from my mobile, I get the "Brr Brr" ringing tone on the mobile, and it's answered when I lift the receiver on the landline. But the landline doesn't always ring ie it doesn't always give an audible sound to inform me that someone is trying to make contact.

But there's also a scratchy crackling noise which makes it hard to hear the person on the other end as well. I think it likely the cause of both problems is the same thing.

Thanks again,

Ant.

[siphosethu-TT]

Hi there @Sidious, is the landline able to make and receive calls?

[Sidious]

It's a corded phone, which I have examined and even tried at a neighbours house to eliminate the phone being to blame. It's crystal clear and no crackling noises at all when used there.

Thanks again 

Ant.

[Sidious]

There is no sign of damage to the master socket, filter, or faceplate. There are no cracks or broken areas, the screw holes align with the backplate, no distortion or out-of-shape issues.

In short, it looks almost as good as new!

Thanks again,

Ant.

[amahle-TT]

Which type of telephone do you currently have connected?

Corded or Cordless?

[Sidious]

Just the one socket; one landline phone (fed from the front plate which is filtered) and the internet router (fed from the 'forehead' of the sandwich filter) i.e. like this :-

Thanks again,

Ant.

[amahle-TT]

Thank you please confirm, how many sockets are, you currently using. Is that the only socket you currently have /and using?

[Sidious]

It's an NTE5C (secured with screws - NOT the MK4 which is of course clip-on) with the interstitial Openreach (sandwich-type) filter, the filter is sandwiched between the backplate and the front plate. The same type that was fitted when FTTC was first rolled out about 10 or so years back. i.e. this type. :-

To add, I have tried with only the phone in the test socket with the filter removed. Just as noisy!

Thanks,

Ant.

[amahle-TT]

We will continue with checks, please confirm what type of master, or main, telephone socket you have so I can give the correct troubleshooting advice.

The master socket will be a white box on a wall and is where the telephone line connects into your house from outside.

Please browse to https://community.talktalk.co.uk/t5/Articles/Your-guide-to-main-phone-sockets/ta-p/2205432 - this page shows you images of the different socket types so you can identify which you have.

Can you confirm what type of master socket you have please?

NTE 5C mk4

NTE 5C

NTE 5

FTTC

NTE 2000

Non-NTE

No Socket Provisioned

[Sidious]

Any updates, if I may ask?

Thanks again,

Ant.

[amahle-TT]

A line test is currently underway. This checks the equipment used to provide the broadband service to your home - including the exchange, cabinet and line equipment.

This can take up to 8 minutes to complete. I'll let you know if this test finds a fault, otherwise I'll continue with further checks.

[Sidious]

Dials out fine, and answers when ringing in from my mobile (but with no ringing on the landline phone - I picked up the receiver of the landline when I heard the ringing tone on my mobile)

There is scratchy and crackling sound, heard on both sides.

Thanks again for your support.

Ant.

[amahle-TT]

Are you able to make or receive calls at the moment?

[Sidious]

Just checked, yes it is sadly. 

Thanks,

Ant.

[amahle-TT]

Is the issue happening right now?