Research has found over a thousand people a month are asking how to block numbers on landlines.

A new study has found that nuisance landline calls are a problem for many, with 1,300 people a month asking for phone numbers to be blocked.

The research, which was carried out by telecommunications expert Area Code, analysed Google data to discover the most asked questions about landlines, finding “How to block a number on landline” in first place.

Taking the second spot is “Do you need a landline for broadband?” with 1,000 average monthly searches, followed by “How do I report a BT landline fault?”, which is googled 720 times in anaverage month.“What is my landline number?” is asked around 480 times a month, while “Is 0300 free from landline?” receives 390 searches a month, on average.

The search phrases “Are 0345 numbers free on BT landline?”, “Are BT doing away with landlines?”, “Do I need a landline?” and “How to divert calls from landline to mobile” are all googled roughly the same amount of times, with 320 average monthly searches each.

In tenth place is the question “Can you get WiFi without a landline?” which receives about 260searches each month.

What are the top 10 googled landline queries?

What are the answers to the top 10 googled landline queries?

A spokesperson for Area Code has provided the answers to the most asked questions about landlines:

1. How to block a number on landline.

There are several ways you can block a number on a landline. The easiest is to use a specific code on your handset. For example, any landline can use BT’s free Call Protect service. Just dial ‘1572’ and follow the instructions to block the previous caller.

You can also use codes specific to your network provider to use their call-blocking services (for Sky, it’s‘1783’, for TalkTalk, it’s ‘142’, and Virgin, is ‘150’).

If you have a call-blocking phone, it will have in-built call-blocking technology. For example, applicable BT landline phones use TrueCall technology to block calls from dodgy numbers. The call-blocking device will stop incoming calls from numbers on their database of cold callers and scammers, as well as anonymous calls.

Many handsets also have a dedicated call-blocking button. So if a call does come through, you can instantly block the number with the press of a button.

You can also use an external device to block calls from spam numbers. This allows you to list numbers that you recognise, allowing that number to go straight through and block other numbers with an automated voice message telling the caller not to phone again.

2. Do you need a landline for broadband?

If you want broadband in your home, you no longer need a landline. Many broadband providers can provide internet without using phone lines. Instead, your home is connected to the internet by fibre cables which offer faster and more reliable connections.

Virgin Media, BT, Sky, EE, Vodafone, TalkTalk and many other companies can now set your home upwith a broadband connection without using phone lines.

3. How do I report a BT landline fault?

The quickest way to report a fault with your BT landline is to text ‘PHONE’ to 61998. BT will then run tests on your connection and will either text you within 15 minutes to book a slot with an engineeror call you within 30 minutes to help resolve your issue.

4. What is my landline number?

If you don’t know your landline number, the simplest thing to do is to call a mobile phone and then make a note of the number that flashes up on the display. Just remember that if you withhold your number, you need to dial ‘1470’ before the mobile phone number.

If you don’t have access to a mobile phone, you can try contacting your landline service provider, who will be able to help you.

5. Is 0300 free from landline?

0300 numbers are usually included in monthly landline phone packages, so if you have free minutes left in your bundle, you won’t be charged for calling them.

Otherwise, calling an 0300 number costs the same as calling a standard landline number.

6. Are 0345 numbers free on BT landline?

If you have free minutes left in your monthly BT landline package, calls to 0345 numbers will be free.

Otherwise, you will be charged the same as you would for calling 01 and 02 numbers.

7. Are BT doing away with landlines?

BT plans to phase out traditional landline phones from all UK homes by December 2025, replacing them with an internet-enabled ‘Digital Voice’ device.

8. Do I need a landline?

As already mentioned, you no longer need a landline for broadband, and with many people now only using their mobile phones to make calls, you might be thinking about getting rid of your house phone altogether.

However, there are some reasons why you might want to consider keeping it:

• The call quality is better on a landline, and call dropping is less likely
• Your landline will still work in a power cut, which is handy if your mobile phone runs out of battery
• Emergency services are able to locate you better than if you were to call from a mobile, which will often only transmit a general location

9. How to divert calls from landline to mobile

To divert calls from a BT landline, you need to order their Call Diversion service. Then, from the landline you want to divert from, follow these instructions:

• To divert all calls—Dial *21* followed by the number you want to divert to, and then press the hash key.
• To divert calls not answered within 15 seconds—Dial *61*followed by the number you want to divert to, and then press the hash key.
• To divert calls when your phone is engaged—Dial *67*followed by the number you want to divert to, and then press the hash key.

10. Can you get WiFi without a landline?

As per the answer to question two, it is possible to get WiFi broadband without a landline. However, you may find that your choice of service providers is more limited.

About Post Author

Mark Baker, UK Tech News Editor

Mark Baker is the Editor of UK Tech News and is an experienced programmer, network engineer and IT Support professional.

Mark has more than ten years experience in helping businesses and organisations solve IT challenges.

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