TELECOMS COST Andrews & Arnold 
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   This information relates to BT, but Cable companies are likely to
   offer similar services.
   
Two lines, same number

   Thinking of getting another line? Maybe for fax, or data? Maybe the
   phone's always busy (calling your ISP!).
   
   You can have the second line on the same number as your first. This is
   called Auxiliary Working, and means that when a call comes in the
   exchange automatically hunts for a free line and rings it.
   
   This hunting normally means that if line 1 is free, that rings,
   otherwise line 2 rings, etc. There are however other schemes (line 1
   first time, line 2 next, etc) if you need.
   
   This is not Call Diversion where you Divert On Busy from one line to
   the other - that would cost money for the diverted call. This simply
   means that you have two (or more) lines on the same number.
   
   There are alternatives, such as ISDN which offer 2 channels on one
   number or even 10 numbers.
   
Why?

   If you are getting a second line, then it is well worth considering
   Auxiliary Working because it has many advantages, few disadvantages,
   and costs nothing extra.
   
    The main advantages are :-

     * You only need to tell people one number, and they will get through
       even if all but one line is busy at the time. This can be your
       existing number, even if getting a second line for fax/data use.
     * Calls you make won't come from a different number depending on
       which phone you pick up - you always present your main number as
       Calling Line Identity when you make a call.
     * You don't have to pay for Divert On Busy from one line to the
       other.
     * You can still have Bypass numbers for each of the individual
       lines, so you have the best of both worlds - auxiliary working and
       individual numbers. Bypass numbers are free in this case.
     * Some services, are charged per Line Group which makes them cheaper
       if you have auxiliary working. Whilst possible with separate
       lines, some services like Premier Line will also only require one
       fee.
       
Why Not?

   There are a few disadvantages to consider :-
     * BT assume you have a telephone exchange, and disable some services
       like Reminder Call, Call Charge Advice, and Call Return. You can
       explain this to the BT engineers and get them re-enabled.
     * Which line do you put the answering machine on? Well, it's not
       that likely that a residential line would have two calls at once
       while you are out, but possible. You can put the answering machine
       on line 1 to catch most calls. You can always use two answering
       machines, or there is actually a service which can be used to Busy
       one or more of the lines leaving only one that can take a call.
       This usually involves a network service code, or a switch on the
       line. (You could always leave one phone off the hook, but that's
       not recommended).
     * Call Waiting doesn't work - bother.
     * Call Minder doesn't work - so what!
     * Ring-Back doesn't work, and BT can't seem to fix it.
       
What about a phone exchange

   There are two line exchanges available that plug in to the two lines.
   These can be used with auxiliary working or without, as you wish. One
   good exchange is the Omnicom FS2828. This solves the problem of your
   answer phone!
   
How much

   Auxiliary working costs no extra as such. Installation of the second
   line is the same regardless.
   
Bypass numbers

   You can have an additional phone number for each individual line. This
   is called a Bypass number. When called it By-passes services such as
   Call Diversion, Call Barring, and Auxiliary Working. Calling the
   bypass number for a line rings that line, or returns a busy tone if it
   is busy - no hunting, no diversion, just like a good old fashioned
   phone line!
   
   Bypass numbers are available on single lines only with Call Diversion
   or Barring and at extra cost.
   For multiple lines (e.g. auxiliary working) you can have one free of
   charge for each line as a residential customer (Business customers pay
   £4.00+VAT/quarter).
   
Sorting out BT

   BT don't always understand (and so may need explaining) that :-
     * You can have Auxiliary Working on a residential line.
     * You can have Caller Display, Call Return, Call Charge Advice, and
       Reminder Calls on Auxiliary Working lines.
     * Bypass numbers are free on Auxiliary Working residential lines.
       
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    http://aa.nu/telecoms/aux.html © 1998 Andrews & Arnold Ltd,