Line length problem?

The maximum permitted line length for ADSL is 5.5km from your local exchange. You can test your approximate line length by dialling (on your intended ADSL line) "17070", The response will tell you the number of your circuit. Then enter "3", then "1" (you ARE authorised, aren't you?), then " 2". If you then hang up, the test system will call you back and tell you the approximate distance from your exchange.

If you have failed the ADSL "whoosh" test (see below) (or one of the other line tests) - what can you do to make the best of a bad situation? It really depends how far you want to go, but if you are determined to have ADSL if it is remotely possible, then the following may be of help:

Ask for your test results!

BT Ignite carry out the following tests:

Line Length < 5.5km to pass

Line Length - This test is done so that BT can find out how far your telephone master socket is from the exchange. It usually has to be within 5.5km for the 512K connection and if you want faster than 500kbit your line length will need to be less than 3.5km from the telephone exchange.

Line Noise <= 55dB to pass

Noise - This shows how much noise is on your telephone line. For a pass, it usually has to be less than 55dB for the 512K connection and less than 41dB if you want faster than 512K.

Line Capacitance <180nf to pass

Capacitance - Capacitance acts as a filter, allowing certain frequencies to pass and blocking others. In the case of telephone wires, which were not designed for ADSL use, a high capacitance level can prevent the frequencies used by ADSL from being transmitted properly. For a pass it need to be less than 180nF, but ideally it should be less than 160nF.

"Whoosh" Test - The final test of line quality. <= 45db to pass

Whoosh Test - The BT engineer conducts this test to make sure that your line has a signal loss of less than 45dB between the master socket and the telephone exchange.

If the fail is marginal, ask to be re-tested!

Line gain.

Dial 151 and ask them if line-gain has been enabled on your line. If it has, ask them to turn it "off". This will degrade modem performance slightly, but should help the ADSL line test results.

Too far from the exchange?

It might be worth calling "151" and asking if your line can be re-routed. Please note that BT (or BTO) have no obligation to do this, so be persuasive and charming rather than demanding! There may be a charge for this, and re-routing your line does not guarantee a test pass so there is some element of risk in this approach.

If you still can't get ADSL you will need to look at alternatives. Three prime candidates are:

Leased line
ISDN
Satellite ADSL