Ha ha ..... as a fully paid-up member of the under-valued telecoms engineer, I do feel I have to point out these little known facts from time-to-time. Just because we work for BT does not a) mean we are your slave, and b) allow you to talk to us like something you've trodden in.
Obviously not you, smucat, I mean as in the 'royal' you !! If we say we can't climb a pole because it's been classified as a 'D-Pole' (Dangerous), please don't then tell all and sundry that we couldn't be arsed to climb it.
When we state our policy is to surface mount internal wiring, don't go off on one at us ..... those are the rules.
If you see us parked up in the van, don't take offence when we can't just drop everything to nip round to your house because you phone isn't working. We need a specific job to work to.
There's countless occasions I could quote personally, regarding scenario's similar to the above, and more. As could most OR guys and gals. One such occasion was years ago, when I visited a premises on an 'Installation Task' at a large (posh) residential premises. After introductions, I asked where the socket was to be fitted ??, "Dont you know" ?? was the reply !! Now I've worked at BT for 25yrs, but never had the pleasure of completing 'The Kreskin Module'.
Once the lady of the manor had worked out it was her decision as to where the socket was going, she proceeded to tell me that no wires should be on show. I explained that there would be an overhead wire from the pole to the house, and that I could run it right around the perimeter to the room the socket was required in. Not a chance she told me. I said I could run it internally, and proceeded to work out the course of the cable 'run', explaining as I was going.
She then decided to lose it with me, telling me I was no good at my job and to get out of her house. I must admit, I wasn't expecting that, but nonetheless, left her house asap. I don't know if she thought we had magic sockets, or what ??
The laboured point I'm making is, as with anybody you talk to, be nice and listen to what is being advised. We're not just saying it for the sake of it, there's a reason.
Back off my soap-box, and to answer your question smucat, we would have just wired from outside to a convenient point in which to enetr the house and 'pick up' the internal wiring. Yes, you would definitely have been left with a phone service.
