Ex BT Telephone Engineer

22/05/2026

It's always a nice surprise when a client takes the time to write a review. Here's one from Diana who used our services a few days ago.

Here is my review - having read many of the others on your website it is obvious that you and your team of Ex-BTs are providing a vital service - thank you!

To anyone who has recently had a digital 'upgrade' of their BT Landline phone; who is exasperated by 'AI' questions and eventual connection to a human 'guide'; who is tired of crawling around skirting boards to follow their instructions - only to be told that 'the line is fine, it is your phones which are faulty'; and who just needs someone on site who can actually fix the problem, Geoff is your go-to guy. He will put you in touch with your nearest ex-BT Engineer. I have just been through all this, and friendly, patient and persevering David came next day and solved the all the problems. All three new phones are now functioning properly, communications are restored, and sanity prevails! Huge thanks to Geoff and David - Diana Fotheringham, Glasgow.

Hi again - your network of ex-BT engineers across the country is such a brilliant solution to a sizable problem and i expect you will all be busy as the digital upgrade roll-out makes its way across the country for the rest of this year. Again - so many thanks! 🙂

All best wishes, Diana F

03/04/2024

Fibre Broadband Hype - It's not all rosey!
Check your speed at peak times!

This customer had problems with his Fibre Broadband and complained many times, eventually he was heard. Here's what happened in his own words.

A tip and bit of knowledge for anyone on CityFibre/Vodafone's Fibre to the premise internet service. I started to notice since February that the speed is degraded and the connection is unstable during peak periods. I pay for 500Mbps and can see the connection drops significantly during peak periods, to be as low as 20Mbps at times, for the download speed. There is also loads of packet loss and the connection is unstable.
Vodafone tell me that City Fibre have apparently acknowledged that they are aware of this capacity issue during peak periods, in the area and are already working on it. However, they don't expect to have the work completed till May. I've had my ticket with Vodafone open since February and finally got this answer. I have been promised backdated compensation when the issue is fixed.

If you run some speed tests (using a cabled connection, not wireless) and notice the same issue during peak periods, then it could be worth a phone call. In theory anyone local to me should be seeing the same issue. I know my neighbour has.

21/03/2024

How YOU can solve your Wi-Fi Problems! DIY!
Here's a page I put together with some useful tips and links to help you improve your Internet and WiFi.
Links to boosters and a brief description as to how each one works.
Cable, Network Switches, it's all here if you fancy having a go yourselves...
Share this with your friends if you know they are always having problems, or 'living in the Dark Ages' !

WiFi problems - Common issues & solutions - Improve & fix your WiFi Internet problems - WiFi problems - what to buy, how to solve poor coverage quickly & easily

12/03/2024

Are you confused about switching to Fibre Broadband?
What about your Landline, will your email address be the same?
How much faster is it worth getting?
Do you have to tell your Landlord you're having it installed?
If you have elderly parents, how will they cope if they have a Care Line alarm?
I've written a page with your questions and answers along with a guide - Ten Things You MUST Know before you order it!
Feel free to share!
Find out more..

FTTP Fibre Broadband Installation READ THIS! Will Landline & email still work? Will WiFi signal reach? Avoid shoddy work. Fibre Optic Cable Router position tips

28/09/2020

Good Internet is Essential when working from home

How to Improve WiFi and Internet in your Home Office...
A growing number of people are being forced to work from home since Lock down and set up a Home Office environment. One major concern for many people is “How do I get Internet to my Home Office?”

When Range Extenders don't work..
WiFi extenders work well inside your house, but reaching an outbuilding isn’t as successful. To provide a stable, strong connection particularly if your Home Office walls contain Celotex Insulation consider running Ethernet cable. Because the foil backing blocks WiFi signal from the Router you may not be able to connect to the Internet.
Powerline Adapters are unlikely to work if your Home Office electricity is supplied from a separate Fuse Box. So, what you need is a hard wired Ethernet Network Connection for trouble free Internet. Losing your work because your connection is unreliable to your Office Mainframe could be stressful.

A Direct Wired Home Office Network is exactly what you need! Read more here.... or call me, Geoff 07790 200800

A major concern working from home is how do I get Internet to my home office especially if it's out of range of the Wifi...

07/09/2020

Help! - I have a Crackly Line, what can I do?
First, is the noise a 'Scratchy crackle' or is it a steady 'Whooshing sound'?
Wooshing is normally to do with the Broadband Filters so make sure you have one plugged in - in line with any phone or device plugged into a telephone socket.
If it's a crackle, have you got more than one telephone socket even if they aren't used? Then it's 50/50 inside or outside fault. Do another test at the Master Socket with the lower front plate removed if you have the later type.
If you ONLY have the Master Socket, no other wiring of your own, or you are plugged directly into the Test Socket, then Openreach (through your Service Provider) HAVE TO maintain up to and including your Master Socket.
A crackly line will ruin your Internet speed so don't put up with it.
'But BT said the line tested OK'.. Yes they often will say that because the line is only tested for a split second. If no crackle happens at that particular moment the advisor will tell you it's fine! WRONG ADVICE!!!
THE ONLY thing you can be charged for is dampness or corrosion on your internal wiring or socket caused by a building defect (Not by BT installing the line in an inappropriate position). Or of course misuse or damage caused by say a hoover hitting it.
For further advice please call me 01702 200800

Telephone Engineer local Independent Ex BT Broadband faults, slow Broadband, extension sockets, move Router, move telephone line, CAT5, WiFi Problems

18/03/2017

Mr Telephone Man...
While you're trying to figure out what to do about your untidy wiring, have a listen to this forgotten 80's tune by New Edition!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTdxdr9pNnw

19/11/2016

BT launch new NTE5c Master Socket Linebox.
Using Cam style connections makes DIY installation without special tools possible. Read more.. http://www.exbtengineers.com/bt-nte5c-master-socket/

30/06/2016

Just added - New article all about the vDSL Faceplates:
Why you need one, and how to speed up your Internet especially if you have Fibre BT Infinity...read more http://www.exbtengineers.com/vdsl-faceplate-bt-infinity-broadband/

15/02/2016

Is your Router in the best place? Could you disguise it in a whicker basket?! Next to your TV is a great place as you can use Ethernet cable to plug it directly into your Sky Box or SMART TV. The lounge is also good because it's normally close to where you are most likely to use WiFi devices like tablets and phones, therefore less dropouts and faster Internet. If you need help to shift wiring, tidy things up, speed up that Broadband, just give me a call ! I have a team of Engineers all over the country so I can offer you a great service, high standard of work and sensible pricing. 01702 200800 Call NOW! Baskets not included. www.exbtengineers.com