h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

My situation is that I've just moved into a new flat, which has no internet access, but does have phone sockets. I don't know the phone number. but I looked up the address on BT Wholesale and they say there is a BT phone line to here. I know no-one is paying line rental so I assume the line is deactivated somehow.

I want to get an ADSL connection for 4 months and 1 week. I don't have the necessary hardware: I own a wireless router/switch, but it doesn't include an ADSL modem. I've found a couple of ISPs offering short-term contracts (BE, Zen), but they want my phone number. How do I find it out, and am I going to end up having to pay line rental as well as the ADSL cost?

(I've asked the landlord about all this, he doesn't have a clue.)

Have you connected your wireless router up and checked to see if there are any wireless stations in the area. If you are very cheeky there might be an insecure one you could piggy-back onto.

Alternatively try BT Openzone if it is in your area - http://www.btopenzone.com/

t.

Well how do you think I'm posting ?

I hadn't heard of BT Openzone, thanks for that. Turns out the nearest hotspot is 30 yards away. Unfortunately, their pricing is a bit mad. Someone needs to tell them that if they have £0 installation costs per user then they don't need to force people into 12 month contracts.

phone a friend and ask them to do 1471 and phone you back and tell you your phone number

Ah, I should clarify. I don't actually have a phone (nor do I want one), just a phone line that is not being paid for.

I am with Namesco (it was NDO until they were taken over). They have a monthly contract AFAIK.

You are stuck with the line rental cost and ADSL rental and you have to know the BT line number to start. BT will tell you the number or assign a new one for a fee (no surprise there!).

Stay as you are until whoever realises and secures their wireless. You might be lucky. My Mac picks up 4 routers apart from my own and BT Openzone (BT really is missing a trick there with 12 month minimum contract on PAYG of all things!!).

Good luck.

t.