In UK, what's the dial-up prefix 1470 all about? (W2K)

[kef999]

My ISP here in the UK has recently issued a blanket recommendation to reconfigure Windows' dial-up number by adding the prefix 1470.

What benefits does adding this to the dial-up number render? Any? Is this anything to do with Call Waiting or any other similar phone facility? I don't use any such things, myself. Does anyone know what adding this number does, at the technical level? To date, my dial-up's been okay, so I wonder whether my ISP has some ulterior motive for recommending this.

[Paul S]

They are telling you to dial 1470 as a prefix as this lifts the caller id bar. If you have arranged with BT for your number to be withheld, dialling the prefix 1470 will lift it for that call only. Your ISP wants your phone number, probably something to do with the dialup package you are on (i.e. free interenet calls).

Regards,

<font color=green>Paul</font color=green>

[kef999]

Paul, you wrote "this lifts the caller ID bar". What exactly do you mean by that? By "lift", do you mean "remove"? And which "ID bar" are you referring to? I wasn't aware that any sort of barring of telephone numbers was going on when I dial up.

Hitherto, my ISP has never required me to have this prefix and my connection's always seemed to work okay. They've not specifically asked me to add this; they merely recommend it for general Win2000 configuration of dial-up.

I'd rather not change anything if it's not entirely necessary. I've a feeling, anyway, that when I first signed up with them, they took my telephone number. Incidentally, I AM ex-directory.

[Paul S]

Hello ptneale,

If you are ex-directory and you dial 1470 before the number of the person you are calling your number will be displayed. When I said 'this lifts the caller ID bar' i meant for that call only. Most ISP's where you have to dial up require your telephone number so they would have it anyway. My guess is that your ISP are just being extra cautious and asking their customers to add this prefix.

I am not sure why they would recommend this just for W2K clients - strange. I personally would not be too concerned about adding the prefix, it certainly won't hinder your authentication. If they do specifically ask for this then you will need to add it because they will also be authenticating you with your phone number.

It is not a very good explanation but I were you I would not worry about it too much.

<font color=green>Paul</font color=green>

[kef999]

Thanks for your words, Paul. Now I at least know the function of the 1470. But I've come to much the same conclusion as yourself, namely to not bother to add it. In all the time that I've been with my ISP (on a monthly tariff, free off-peak usage basis), they've never once asked me to add the 1470 - except now, as a general recommendation to Win2K users - and my connection always seems to dial up okay and works okay without it.

Thanks again for your help.

[Paul S]

Your welcome.

<font color=green>Paul</font color=green>