When we dial a number we have a strange interference noise on the line, like many pulse tones. It takes over 30 seconds to actually connect and for the line at the other end to ring. We can also not use touch tone sytems.
We have a cordless touch tone telephone which we have not had problems with before.
Does anyone have any clue about what the problem is? (I can't call BT and report it as the touch tone does not seem to work and I can't seem to get round it!)
Think it sounds more like a line problem rather than phone and you're going to *have * to contact BT someways - if they are your phone service provider, that is.
Disconnect all phones except one. Preferably use one that works at a friend's house without problem. If the fault still exists you can feel confident BT can't claim it was your phone.
As for not being able to contact BT, go to their website, or call from a local phone box, or a mobile, or write a letter and post it.
Just adding my thoughts to those of the three posters above.
It's important to have ADSL filters on all telephones where you have an internet connection.
Do as suggested by O_G. Test a telephone of yours on a neighbour's line and, if it works ok, then try it on your main in-put socket and then report accordingly to your service provider.
You may find things a bit awkward if you are with a service provider other than BT. A neighbour of mine is with a firm that blames faults on BT who provide the actual cables to his property and BT says it a matter for him to resolve with his service provider.