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Thread: Tag on my BT line

  1. #1
    DDY
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    Tag on my BT line

    After several hours on the phone trying to get broadband on my BT line I've hit a brick wall, apparently there is a tag on my line preventing any new ISP from using it.

    Briefly, my problem starts with my old ISP, Pipex who I left 6 years ago, the line has been vacant of an ISP since but the land line has been in use. Now I want to connect to the Internet again but any new ISP will need a MAC code proceed with the order.

    Pipex no longer exists since they were taken over by Tiscali, who then was then taken over by Talk Talk, predictably none of these parties could give me a MAC code because I don't have an account with any of them. The lack of a MAC code means I'd have to some how remove a tag left by my previous ISP.

    According to Ofcom I should inform my new ISP to liase with BT wholesale to remove a tag, I started an order processes for broadband with O2 but they solidly refused to help remove the tag on my line so I cancelled my order. From what I can tell BT wholesale does not directly deal with consumers so I can't just call them up myself.

    The only option I've been left with bar contacting other ISPs is to instruct BT to carry out a "start stop", however this procedure will in effect create a new contract and my phone number will change, which is not something I will remotely consider.

    Does anyone know of anything else I can do without having to go through prospective ISPs to remove the tag on my line? I'll give Ofcom a call tomorrow and see what they have to say about it.

  2. #2
    You're god damn right Barry's Avatar
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    Re: Tag on my BT line

    You should be able to go direct to openreach and have it removed because they are the ones that add/remove them
    Someone left a note on a piece of cake in the fridge that said, "Do not eat!". I ate the cake and left a note saying, "Yuck, who the hell eats paper ?

  3. #3
    DDY
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    Re: Tag on my BT line

    Quote Originally Posted by Barry View Post
    You should be able to go direct to openreach and have it removed because they are the ones that add/remove them
    Much like BT Wholesale, BT Openreach do not deal directly with consumers. I'm aware that BT Openreach are the ones responsible for doing the work to remove the tag, but having spoken to the consumer side of BT they made it very clear that unless I'm joining them for broadband, which I won't be doing, they refuse to initiate any work to remove the tag.

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    Re: Tag on my BT line

    In these situations you'll be banging your head against the wall with BT.

    Don't mess about with them. Go right to Ofcom and file a report if BT have brushed you off. Be concise and explain the issue politely.

    When it comes to regulations, I find Ofcom toothless. For customer complaints though they seem better.
    Quote Originally Posted by Saracen View Post
    And by trying to force me to like small pants, they've alienated me.

  5. #5
    You're god damn right Barry's Avatar
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    Re: Tag on my BT line

    Things must have changed then, about 5 years ago I moved from Pipex to sky and was messed about by Pipex and I contacted openreach direct, explained the issue and they had the tag removed in a few days for me
    Someone left a note on a piece of cake in the fridge that said, "Do not eat!". I ate the cake and left a note saying, "Yuck, who the hell eats paper ?

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