Blocking Telkom Outgoing Calls

[Moshidi]

Hi guys,

I share a house with a few people and would like to leave my Telkom line connected for incoming calls only. Called Telkom and was told that blocking calls costs R35 >>confused<<

Is there another, most importantly free way to block outgoing calls on the line? It's a very basic telephone.

TIA

 

[HapticSimian]

Purely as a mental exercise, which alternative methods would you imagine there'd be?

 

[Moshidi]

Purely as a mental exercise, which alternative methods would you imagine there'd be?

Something that does not involve Telkom?

 

[badtrev]

Get an old style phone with a key to lock it.

 

[HapticSimian]

Get an old style phone with a key to lock it.

... and prevent the others from plugging in their own phones how? Superglue?

 

[Venomous]

I guess TK does not want to lose all the money they could make from your line....

Your choice, either pay the R35, or risk a much larger bill....

 

[Leftfoot]

For R35 you are blocking the entire line all the way to the exchange. The alternative is a lockable phone....but then anyone can just plug into your line at any point or any extension you have.

 

[MKFrost]

Why not get Telkom Prepaid service? (are they still around)

IMO - take the phone out, its always going to be a headache. Let each use his own mobile. More expensive maybe but no headaches.

 

[Moshidi]

For R35 you are blocking the entire line all the way to the exchange.

Meaning no incoming calls too?

Telkom are such geniuses

 

[Moshidi]

Why not get Telkom Prepaid service? (are they still around)

The line has ADSL and that requires a postpaid line last I checked.

 

[HapticSimian]

It seems your two options are: 1) Pay Telkom their R35 per month, or 2) don't share your house with potentially irresponsible children.

 

[MKFrost]

The line has ADSL and that requires a postpaid line last I checked.

You did not mention that it was on an ADSL line. In that case yes, you need a post paid account.

 

[AnibugZA]

Get a handset that requires a PIN to be entered before a call can be made? Or talk to them all, tell them that if there are calls made on the phone they will have to pay you for them, and then issue them a bill and let them sort out themselves who made which call and who owes you the money.

They'll very quickly stop using the phone when you make them pay for it.

OR

Get a handset that doesn't have buttons

 

[Moshidi]

Thanks for the responses guys. @Anibug that is not a bad idea at all, im thinking I should just remove the keypad all together

One other thing... The various ISPs that offer to manage your voice line, aren't they able to block calls?