my head has just exploded

[erastes]

this is the entry on british telecom's "checking if there's a fault on your line"

(my phone – when i pick it up sounds like there,s a computer connection or something on the end and it won't connect)

so here's their online advice:

We can only check the line if it's not currently being used. This includes:

- Internet access
- Phone calls using a standard or VoIP phone
- Fax
- Broadband services e.g. BT Vision

You'll need to run this check using a PC connected to a different line and ensure that the line you wish to check is unused.

…

There are no words.