Information page
Following topics covered here:
(UK)Telephone numbers.
(UK) BT ISP/Connections. URGENT!!
(UK) Notice to ISPs. URGENT !!
(UK)AOL and TCP/IP Dial-Up.
(UK) 4 Star Petrol Unavailable Jan 2000.
USE Voice Mail NOT E-MAIL(Virus ALERT)
UK Telephone Numbers set to Change.

Telephone numbers
There are companies out there who, having obtained your telephone number, will either print it themselves on address labels or give consent for others to do so. UNACCEPTABLE ! more so if the numbers are Un-Listed.
To stop this practice, and under the Data Protections act, informing the companies over the telephone is not good enough. I agree. So, how do we stop this practice. First, stop ordering items verbally and do it in writing. In the letter/Order always state the folowing....
The information within this letter/Order is not for circulation in ANY Form. This includes written details of telephone numbers on or within Address Labels or in plain view to any other party, period.

If you find information has either been printed or circulated, you now have written proof. (Verbal contracts are not worth anything ! )

Contact the Data Registrar on 01625 545745 and get a complaints form. Remember to keep all written comunications. You will need these.
Contact your local MP and get him or her to do something about it.

Under the Data Protections Act almost everyone has to be registerd. The documentation states quite clearly that if information is to be distributed, and that includes selling information, then those registered must state that fact and give the customer the opportunity to either allow this or not. The assumption that customer automatically gives this consent does not arise and cannot be assumed.

Private Residential Lines with Fax Machines.
If you find that companies are sending you unsolisited messages etc, you can stop this. Under the Data Protections Act all you have to do is write to them and get them to remove all traces of your number from any digital/magnetic storage devices. I suggest sending the letter by Recorded Delivery and not put your name and address on it, just the post code. Keep a copy of the letter or letters. If they continue to send you faxes, contact the Data Registrar on 01625-545745 and complain. OFTEL can stop these companies and individuals BY LAW. Get as much information on the callers and then write or call OFTEL to get it stopped. Oftels details are at the end of this document.

ISP/BT Telephone Lines.
Important to everyone !!.
If you are having to dial a number for your Internet Service Provider (ISP) many times, then there are a few things to check first before complaining....
1). Make sure that the Dial-Up settings are correct. Your ISP will give you the details or automatically set things up for you.
2). Check that your Modem is working correctly and has been set up according to the installation manual.
3).
a). Contact your Line rental company and get a FULL service 'line check' on your telephone line. in general, this service is not carried out on your premises.
b). If you are with (UK) BT or any company that uses BT's network, then ask BT if you are on the DAC system. If the answer is YES then check the date when it was fitted. This is very important ! If your problems started after the DAC was fitted then you have the problem solved. WHY? It is certain that your original line was a 'single unit' and BT did not have any other service lines to provide new customers or the line was given to someone else for other uses. The DAC unit was then fitted to split your line to supply both you and the another customer using one line. I have been informed by BT Engineers, Fault department and BT tele-Sales, that DAC lines are not suitable for digital use. Why? This system was designed as a temporary measure to enable 'VOICE' connections to be expanded beyond the normal capacity of the cable currently installed. That said, the West Midlands, Wales and the West, Complaints manager informs me that the DAC unit is categorically and 100% suitable for digital use and works perfectly, baring minor faults. Well, you make up your own minds. To continue, Cables are sometimes laid as a singe length. Each subscriber is then 'Branched' off from that cable as a single user. Once all single lines have been used, the DAC is added to double each lines capacity when more subscribers are needed. DAC system alters the frequency between both parties (this actually degrades the line quality for digital use. 'Crackling' and/or a 'Shush' nose bears this out). Remember, this is a 'Voice' only system. Splitting a single line with a DAC box is known as a 'Chaining'. One party becomes the primary 'CHAIN 1' and the other as the secondary 'Chain 2'. Did you know that BT actually expects customers to inform them that your residential line is also going to be used for internet. I now know why (as above). Unfortunately, as far as I can see (up to 30th March 1999) , BT do not actually notify people in any of their documentation, contracts or verbally at the 'Point of Sale' that this is a requirement. Let's face it, residential folks would not think of asking questions, as the expectation for this age, is that lines are modern with modern up-to-date equipment. More to the point, the customers are not informed or consulted in any way when BT attaches a DAC box to their 'single line', thus degrading the quality of service. BT do not agree with this view, as they only have to supply 'voice'. Food for thought. If you have been very satisfied with the quality of service up to the point when things went drastically wrong, and you found out that a DAC unit was fitted and your service was 'down graded', my expression, for want of a better word, without your knowledge, fist contact BT faults (150) and then ask for the Complaints Manager for your area. Get your telephone line Un-DACed and then get BT to update their computer information to state that you also have computer use on that line. If you are unable to resolve the problem, contact OFTEL, BABT, 'Trade and Standards' and your local MP.

URGENT !! GET LINE PROTECTED.
I urgently suggest, that if you are Un-DACed and you are happy with the speed of connection to your ISP, contact BT right NOW and get a new Contract or get some sort of protection notification from them that states your line is to be used for both Voice and Digital (modem/Computer/ISP) use. If you are happy with your current Un-daced line there maybe no need to get a ISDN line what-so-ever !! Just ensure that you have that new contract (or what-ever) that covers you for Computer/Digital/Modem use. If you do not do this, BT can do anything they like with your line, which includes: giving your un-Daced line to someone else for computer use, or what-ever, and/or placing you on a DAC, 2 user, system.. which is exactly what they did to me. Remember, your original contract only covers 'Voice', so GET THE NEW CONTRACT TO PROTECT YOUR LINE.... NOW !! OR GET BT TO NOTIFY ALL DEPARTMENTS THAT THE LINE IS TO BE ALSO USED FOR COMPUTER !! Make sure that BT can not come along at a later date and muck about with your line.

What about the 2 line offer for the voice/internet. What system does that use? Is it possible with the DAC ? The nswer is NO !!!

The ISDN line could be the very Un-DACed line you are using, providing that it meets the criteria laid down by BT. Funny that. The very same Un-DACed line ? IF you have a DAC unit fitted to your line then ISDN is not possible. Period ! Why? DAC is unsuitable for digital use ! This proves that BT are well aware about the short comings of the DAC unit despite the comments made by the West Midlands, Wales and the West, complaints manager !

BABT approved sticker.
This sticker has a large Green dot with the folowing text.....
'APPROVED for connection to telecommunictions systems specified in the instructions for use subject to the conditions set out in them.'
If you have a modem or any device with a BABT 'approved' sticker, its not worth a light !!!. That sticker guarantees only a BABT 'standard' and nothing to do with BT or any other service provider. Infact, according to BABTs engineers, BT do not have to comply 'IN ANY FORM' or provide any form of service for that device. A BABT sticker does not form any guarantee that any device is suitable for BT use or will operate as stated within the Instructions of that device on BT systems. The stickers relate to the standard BABT set for either UK or Europian, nothing more or less. The Numbers refer to manufacturer, type of network and so on. What a CON !!!! Remember, as far as I am aware, no one is informed of this fact. Most Retailers and Consumers certainly assume that BABT approved devices are approved for BT use. Ask them and see. Remember if a device is sold to you as 'BT approved' and it only has the BABT sticker, its not BT aproved (OR IS IT ?). BT do not make claims that BABT devices are approved for operation or that BT supply any form of service on their systems for those device. They only say, BABT devices must be used on our system.

BUT WAIT...
BABT's application forms for approval on both Analog and Digital devices actually state that a Quality of service must be given for the device that is to be used for specified networks. This is strange, as I was informed by BABT engineers that their 'standard' has nothing to do with BT. IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT CONTACT BABT ON 01932-222289 AND TALK TO AN ENGINEER. infact, get the 'approval' application forms for both Analog and Digital (they are free) and read them for yourselves.

Customers should ask the seller of any digital device to be connected to BT lines the following questions..... 'will I have any problems using this device on my residential line' and 'will the service/connection on my residential line be fully compatable with this device and its use.' and 'is it approved for BT and its network'. If the reply is 'Yes' or 'Absolutly' and you can not get that product to operate correctly on that network/telephone line etc, then let the 'Trade and Standards' people know. Remember, I was told by the West Midlands/Wales and the West, Complaints Manager, that BT do not approve any digital device or gurantee any quality of service on their network for digital devices with the exception of ISDN. If BT or anyone else approves the device for use on any given service, that includes BTs own shops, and the service for the use of that device is causing consern, or you can not get a refund, then report it to the 'Trade and Standards' on 01905 765373 and get advice. The telephone number may differ according to your area. You have 'Consumer' rights and they will be able to asist you.

Uk....OFTEL Site at www.oftel.co.uk
Uk....OFTEL Complaints to....crs.oftel@gtnet.gov.uk
Oftel, by law, has to keep a register of all BABT 'approved' manufacturers and devices which you have the right to view. Contact them on 0845-7145000 (local rate). Remember to ask 'what network' the devices are approved to opperate on.

Did you know.......That BT is only under contract in the UK to provide 'Voice' connections only ! That BT can do almost anything to your lines without contacting you. Did you know that BT does not have to provide any form of 'standard' on their network, just supply it. Did you know that BT makes no gurantees of 'Service' or 'Supply' on any digital systems, with the exception of ISDN lines. Its about time that OFTEL stopped sitting on its 'BUT' and got things changed !! After all, OFTEL was the one to issue the licence in the first place back in 1985 (around then). Oftel is suposed to regulate BT. Oftel also is suposed to protect the consumers rights. No other company would be allowed to operate in this way, so why is BT ? Why is the consumer not being protected by Oftel ?
In 1995 (UK) there were about 110,000 residential connections to the Internet. In 1998 there was about 1,800,000 residential. 1999 figures are not yet available. BT is fully aware of what is going on, both for residential users and the industry as a whole ! The projected growth rate is estimated to be around 800% per year, that's well over 50,000,000 users by the year 2002 (if we survive the millenium). BT and all the growth companies in the 'World' are fully aware of the fantactic growth in both digitial and the Internet scene, since 1995. So why are the telephone lines digital quality so poor ? Answer: In my opinion it's a lack of investment throughout the country and an obsession with large profit margins. With the Internet, people want speed and reliability. With the DAC system and some antiquated 'Voice' telephone lines, owning a fast modem is a waste of time and money, both in the cost of purchasing the modem and the costs of telephone call charges. In truth, you may never connect up for any reasonable period of time unless you pay a lot more for special lines. With more and more people 'logging on', you can expect things to get slower and slower while the telephone bills grow higher and higher with longer periods of being on-line. Great for ISP and Line Rental companies, but very bad for the consumer. ISP and Telephone line rental companies must invest in the best possible, not only for their future but for the continuing growth of the industry. Why are they waiting? Who knows. All I can see, is that the public is being Conned, one way or another. BT, by the very fact of putting you on a DAC unit, may denigh you access, or cause more problems connecting to ISPS. Being DACed removes choice of having Computer or ISDN lines, especially if no other spare lines are available. If you were not DACed in the first place you were more than likely to have a prity good connection (under cirtain conditions). But the moment they put you on a DAC unit, you have problems, to say the least. Poor connections to ISPs, if at all, and no way you can be placed onto ISDN line if a DAC unit is fitted(unless spare lines are available). If BT is using DAC to double the line capacity and knowing the problems that it causes, despite the known growth in residential use for digital ISP connections, proves that something is not right with the way BT operate.

Notice to ISPs
If you are expericencing a lot of complaints with regards to connections to your Service, I suggest that you ask your members if they have been placed on the DAC system. Get members to check with their telephone rental company, by contacting the Faults department. Members need to know if they have been DACed and the date when the unit was fitted. Between their telephone bills and the information they have gained, they should be able to prove if the DAC reduced their service in some way. If that is the case, members should contact their Line Rental companies Fault department first and any other services to resolve this problem. I suggest that customers request their line to be Un-DACed (pair diverted). Line testing for BT only applies to the condition of the line, exceptions apply to ISDN or special lines, as other testing facilities are used. It may be prudent to also check if members lines are of the old type, namely Lead or Alliminium. I suggest that customers should be refered to these pages for advice and assistance.

AOL installs its own TCP/IP protocol.
This will cause problems for use with other 'Dial-Up' ISPs.
Actually the TCP/IP protocol is not their own, it's Microsofts (as supplied). AOL change it to suit the way they deal with large amounts of Data, Connections and so on.
First, always BACKUP any information that is saved for use with AOL before you alter anything ! The file MAIN.IDX contains all E-Mail, Addresses and so on. You will also want to save your account Names and Passwords.
If you are having trouble connecting to other ISPs when AOL software is installed, there are several things you can do.
First decide if you are going to continue to use AOL Dial-up. If you are, then try item 2). If this does not work, then you will have to remove AOL. Before doing that, make sure you have written down all your E-Mail addresses and your lists of HTTP (URL) addresses. You will have to type those into your Mail program, ie Outlook Express or whatever.
1). If you do not want to keep AOL Dial-Up, un-install it by selecting START then SETTINGS then CONTROL PANEL and finally ADD/REMOVE. AOL will be listed. Select it for removal. Once completed, to remove AOL's TCP/IP protocol, select START then SETTINGS then CONTROL PANEL then NETWORKING. You will see in the list TCP/IP. Remove this, and then ADD the new 'Microsoft' TCP/IP protocol by selecting 'Microsoft' and then TCP/IP .
2). You could try to add an additional TCP/IP and re-install the Dial-ups for each ISP.

Out of interest, did you know that AOL (a Multi-Billion Dollor Company ) does not pay TAXES in the UK. Why ? If you have the answer please let us know.

4 Star leaded Petrol withdraw: Jan 2000 (UK)
From the 1st of January 2000, 4 Star leaded petrol will not be available in the UK. There may be exceptions on Classic motor-racing and Classic vehicle road use.
To find out if your vehicle can be converted to Unleaded petrol, consult your vehicle's handbook and if necessary, the manufacturer. If you are a member of a motoring organisation, contact them.
For the AA contact 0990 500600.
For the RAC contact 0990 313131.
If your vehicle can not be converted you may be able to switch to Lead Replacement Petrol (LRP) or an Unleaded Petrol of the correct octane rating with an added amount of Anti-Wear Additive (AWA).
Please do not wait till the last moment. It is important that you sort things out NOW. You will need to know 'who will supply the additives' and 'where the nearest petrol stations are'.
There are 'Fuel Catalyst' and other devices available to run your vehicle on Unleaded Petrol. BE WARNED ! The DETR does not endorse specific devices and recommends that you seek independent test evidence to prove the effectiveness of such devices.

Virus ALERT. Use Voice-Mail and not E-Mail.
Latest Virus is Melissa and SASSY.SHS (title 'It takes guts to say 'Jesus'')
As there are more and more insiduous individuals creating 'virus' software, it becomes more and more important for you to find both the software to combat this stuff and alternative ways to get the job done.
Voice Mail may solve the problem. There are a lot of software programs available that will allow you to record your message and pass it to the recipient in various formats. Some offer the ability to attach pictures and documents and packed with the final distribution package. As most of you have some sort of virus protection installed, it would be prudent to consider the alternatives. One most important point to take into consideration, the Voice-Mail package you choose must ensure that anyone can receive, listen and view pictures/documents without special software for them to use. Naturally, you could decide to use specific software with your friends, like Video/Telephone software and so on.

The people who write the 'Virus' software are very misguided. Their general argument is that they create this stuff to prove that software is badly written and open to Abuse. However, these people then circulate it 'publicly' creating the 'ABUSE' themselves. This in turn only causes serious problems to members of the public, who, having had to 'scrimp and save' to purchase the equipment and software in the first place, now find themselves with some serious problems both at home on their systems and quite possibly with their Bank Accounts etc. The very people claiming to be helping the industry are the people creating the problem. They just sit back and do nothing. Let's face it, if these individuals want to help, they would be dealing with the companies directly and with some sort of dialogue. Naturally, they don't. Just like a 'poisoner', they introduce the toxin and sit back and gloat. However, they always have the 'anti-toxin' for themselves. It makes you think, doesn't it ?

UK Telephone Numbers set to Change

All telephone numbers are to change, releasing millions for the current demand.
This is going to cause some problems for some people. It is important that you get the correct information as soon as possible and notify everyone you deal with, both here in the UK and abroad.

Details on FreePhone 0802 224 2000.

Useful telephone numbers.(UK)

Oftel = 0845 7145000 (local rate)
Oftel = 0171 6348700
DTI = 0171 2155000
Office of Fair Trading = 0171 2118000
Trade and Standards = 01905 765373 west midlands. Please check for your local offices.
The AA = 0990 500600
The RAC = 0990 313131

If you have some interesting information that people should be made aware of, then please E-Mail me with it. I will sort it all out.