phone fault - broadband works but not phone anyone had this - help BT charges scary

[JiminyCricket]

We noticed yesterday we couldn't make out-going calls, but our broadband (AOL through modem) is still working. If you ring our phone it sounds like its ringing like normal but it doesn't. We've tried three different handsets and disconnected all the computer things. BT are coming out but they say if its a problem at our end (and the website says in big red letters that it probably is) they will charge £116 call out plus £99 per hour to fix it - we really really can't afford that. Anyone know what it might be??? Pleeease thanks xx

will ask dh in a bit and get back to you

right two things

1. ring 150 and get BT to do a 'line test' on your line

2. go to your main junction box - the place where the phone line comes into your house

first plug your phone directly into there with no microfilter/computer stuff attached - then try it

if still not working, (and this is the bit I am more hazy about so will ask dh again if you need to do this....) you need to unscrew the front of the main junction box mentioned about in and there should be a 'test socket' (should e labelled ) and you plug you phone in there and see if it works (dh said BT fault line may have asked you to do this already)

If you have done all this and it still does not work then BT CAN NOT CHARGE YOU....

Will be around later this afternoon

oops, reply I posted earlier seems not to have posted?
Popsy you are a star - we HAVE done all that as asked on faults line and feel much relieved that you say they can't therefore charge us - will go through the instructions again and make sure we've followed it to the letter. Huge thanks to you and your DH I will update xx

Hooray they came and fixed it today while we were out - no need to get in the house, so presumably no bill. Thanks x

excellent