General Chat

nudged it as i cudnt find it

I think there are actually more than two levels of being ex directory or at least used to be. All a bit vague but I think you can be left out of the published directories but available through directory enquiries. Standard where not listed but the operator can offer the call to you but not connect without your permission. There is a higher level "NDQ" (I THINK) where the details are not listed and are not available to directory enquiry opeators - I think even the engineers don't see details. There might be an even higher level where the number does not officially exist! I found that registering on the Telephone Preference Service reduced junk calls a lot - don't forget to also register on the FAX Preference Service and also register any mobiles as well. What got rid of most of the remaining junk calls was to make my line Anonymous Call Reject. It is not foolproof as some junk callers can still hide their number and get past this and some even call from overseas. Unfortunately BT charge an exorbitant amount for this service - I suspect that all that is involved is someone ticking a box on a computer screen to enable it. People can still call you by releasing their number using 1470. If a junk callers does get through then I get the details and make an official complaint. By the way, many of the junk callers just sequentially dial every combination of numbers. I remember reading once of an office where each phone had a direct dial number and each rang in turn with the same junk caller. MB

Thank you Sue, I havent heard of this 2 exdirectory system. However having told me to contact the police I,m fairly sure they had got it. Many rhanks for your comments. Rupert Bear.

I was under the impression that there are two types of ex-directory numbers. One where the operators can reveal the number if you have the correct name and address, (ex directory, not listed in phone book) and the other where the Directory Enquiry operators do not have a listing of the number at all. Many years ago I was a Directory Enquiry operator and had many disagreements with customers who insisted that I had the ex-directory number when it wasn't even printed in our listings. Hope you get some good news soon. Sue xx

RB ur welcome thinking of u and ur family xx

Thank you Lou from Leicester for your email my wife really appreciated your thoughts and message. been busy upto nowbut no news yet . The powers that be just dont want to know about exdirectory problems thank God for the power of people because Iwill not let this matter rest. Rupert Bear.

Hi Camberwell Beauty. I had the same problem with unsolicited calls trying to sell me things that I didn't want, so BT put me in touch with the telephone preferance service, the nuisance calls have almost gone to nil now, its worth a try, Linda P

have u heard from them now ?

Elsewhere on the boards I have posted a message related to my wifes brother and his wife unheard from in the vicinity of the disaster. We and my wifes nephew are both exdirectory. The regalations governing disclosure of such information can be overcome by the operator asking the proposed receipiant if they will take the call given bon-a-fidie names. If the resultant waste of time and duplication making calls to an emergency number can be erradicated by this means lets get the regulations changed. Wecould not be told the number of duplicated enquiries made but they would be considerable and all because of inflexible rules. anyone in future considering going exdirectory should think very carefully. I,m hopping mad. Rupert Bear.