The UK landline switch-off is closer than you think…

…since September 6th 2023 BT have not sold any copper based products. Customers requiring a new home phone line are now put onto their VoIP (voice over internet protocol) service called “Digital Voice”. The existing copper PSTN (public switched telephone network) network is due to be switched off in 2025 after being the backbone of connectivity across the UK since 1911.

The switch in the South East is happening in spring 2024, but don’t worry, you will keep your current telephone number.

If you, your relatives or friends are currently plugged into a traditional telephone socket for a landline phone service, then BT should soon be contacting you soon in regard to your switch to Digital Voice.

Please note that there are some circumstances where you should contact BT for support if any of the following apply to you:

• Customers who wear a lifeline/healthcare pendant or watch.
• Customers who do not have a broadband connection.
• Customers who live in an area that struggles with mobile network coverage.
• Customer who have additional needs that BT need to be aware of.

Another area that may need some thought is if you use telephone wiring around your home in the way of telephone extensions or for burglar alarms. This is where Ashford Vision can get involved to reconfigure your wiring to work with your modem-fed VoIP connection. You can find out a little more in regard to our Telco Service Call at ashfordvision.com/data-telco.html .

If you have any questions or would like to book a visit, please send an email to enquiries@ashfordvision.co.uk .

Simon – Ashford Vision

The Big Cat Sanctuary

I can’t believe that we are thundering our way through March already. I meant to post this one up earlier this year when I attended for this customer.

The Big Cat Sanctuary is based in Kent, and it is a centre dedicated to the conservation of wild cats. You can book an overnight safari experience here, and stay in a lodge on-site. More information can be found here: thebigcatsanctuary.org

As I have mentioned lodges here, this is one of the reasons that I attended The Big Cat Sanctuary back in early January 2023. A lodge had some work done to it, and cabling had been supplied and fitted by another company. Sanctuary maintenance tested the TV’s for a Freesat reception, and it was actually non-existent. This is when Hugh got in touch with me to arrange a visit to get things sorted prior to having people stay in this lodge.

After checking things over, it was clear that the cabling for one of the runs needed to be replaced as it was split in multiple places down the outside of the cable. Remember here that this was a new cable run! The satellite dish was also out of alignment, which obviously would not help the situation either.

Once that had been put right, there was another Freesat job for the staff break area, and a Sky Q job for an employee who stays on site.

I have visited The Big Cat Sanctuary in the past with my family, and it was a great day. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of a cat or two this time around, but it was not to be. I could see an enclosure in the distance, but I don’t think that counts!

01233 333367 | 07756 596300 | enquiries@ashfordvision.co.uk | www.ashfordvision.co.uk

I now plug my home phone into my router???

The way that Virgin Media landline customers plug in their home phones is changing.

For quite some time, new customers have not had telephone sockets installed when opting for a landline. Virgin Media have been using routers connected to their fibre network to supply a phone line at people’s homes.

Virgin Media’s 21st Century Voice / 21CV

Now for long existing customers, the time has come where you have received an adapter to plug into your modem. For most people this does not cause a problem. But what if you are using a hardwired telephone extension socket also? After the first 12 months from install, these become the customers responsibility.

Don’t worry, you are not on your own with this!

A Telco Service Call from Ashford Vision starts at just £60, and that gives you up to the 1st hour of time. Generally, this would be enough time to get you up and running from all sockets.

You can contact us with any questions using the details below.

01233 333367 | 07756 596300 | enquiries@ashfordvision.co.uk | http://www.ashfordvision.co.uk

Unlimited Data – Satellite Broadband

It doesn’t seem that long ago that there were changes and improvements to satellite broadband connections throughout the UK. Well now there is yet another change to our Satellite Broadband offerings.

In the past, there was a requirement to pay for the equipment at £5 per month, postage of the equipment to your door at £19.99, standard professional installation at £49.99, account/equipment activation at a £59.99 and a monthly charge of £74.90 for the top package. 

We are now able to offer UNLIMITED data connections with download speeds of up to 100Mbps (averaging at up to 75Mbps) for just £69.99 per month, with a one-off  account/equipment activation charge of £49.99. This pricing includes VAT. The equipment and standard installation are now both included.

As you can see, it is now a more cost effective and realistic option than it ever has been. So if you are struggling with your current connection and the pricing has been the “put-off” on getting set up with satellite broadband, it could now be time to revisit this option.

Check out what there is availble here: www.satellite-broadband-kent.co.uk and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Simon – Ashford Vision

Let’s Be Covid-Safe!

2020/21 has been different for everyone. For those running businesses, a lot of thought has gone in to ensuring that people are kept safe as a number 1 priority, whilst still trying to be available to their customers.

When lockdown was first announced, I started to create a waiting list for those who needed internal works completing as I was only working externally at that time. Whilst I have been working through the waiting list, sadly I have not been able to accommodate new enquiries. Finally, I am now starting to book in new work once again.

The process has changed slightly to help ensure that both myself and the customer are kept safe during my visit. After initial contact, I will go through a short pre-visit questionnaire that will need to be completed before I attend. This has been in place for all of my waiting list customers, and has proven to have been successful.

Obviously we don’t know what the next few months will bring in our area, and there could be a possibility that I will be back to external works only if the Covid-19 situation dictates government instruction. The questionnaire will be in place for the foreseeable future, and as I am not the only one with underlying health conditions; I am confident that it will be warmly received by my customers. The main priority is that we are all kept safe.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask via enquiries@ashfordvision.co.uk

Satellite Broadband from Ashford Vision – Lets Get Connected!

Ashford Vision (a TV aerial and satellite dish company based in Kent) have offered satellite broadband sales in the past, but we had cut our involvement down over the past couple of years due to limited usage plans.

As of today, we are proud to announce a partnership with BigBlu who offers 100% nationwide coverage, and allow us to offer you an unlimited satellite broadband solution at the most cost effective price point yet. This means if you are struggling with a slow, nearly non-existent land-based connection in your rural home, there is no need look any further for an end to your headache.

We can provide you a connection, even in the most remote parts of the country. From light users through to more data hungry streamers. All you need is a clear view of the southern sky to provide the dish a clear line of sight.

No updates from your current provider as to when you can use the internet to do even the simplest tasks like your friends? With an installation normally within 10 days, then there is no reason in hesitating to get in touch.

I look forward to hearing from you, and helping you to get the connection you deserve. Check out what is on offer here: www.satellite-broadband-kent.co.uk

 

Ashford Vision – operations during COVID-19

02 June 2020   Operations Update – YouTube

Hi everybody! I hope all of you (like myself and my family) have been keeping safe during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Being a Type 1 diabetic, I have been operating on an external works only basis since the start of the lockdown to shield from as much customer contact on site as possible. This has obviously been frustrating for both myself and my customers at times, and I also thank those of you who are still on the list waiting for me to attend.

Most of you are aware that the government has relaxed the UK’s lockdown restrictions, but I have made the decision to stick to external works only with no entry into properties at this time. This is to ensure that I am doing my utmost to protect both my customers and myself against COVID-19.

I will be reviewing this situation on a regular basis, and will update as to which safety measures will need to be put into place when it finally comes to working internally once again.

I have put a lot of thought into this, and it has been a very difficult decision to make. I thank you all greatly for your patience and understanding during this time.

I am still available for external works like TV aerial & Satellite Dish replacement and repairs. So if this is something that you find yourself needing help with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Stay safe, and I hope to see you all soon!

Simon – Ashford Vision

 

Freesat at Waitrose, Ashford

Today’s first job was a satellite dish install for Freesat at Waitrose, Ashford. It was actually a nice day to be outside considering the time of year.

Spot the dish.

 

I spoke with Ian over the phone regarding the installation prior to my visit, but the planned install changed once I was on site due to a risk of store downtime. Another option was offered, and I was given the go-ahead to commence with the work.

The Freesat will be used in the staff ‘Respite’ canteen area, which I am sure they will be happy with as they haven’t had and channels in there for quite some time.

 

 

ashfordvision.co.uk

 

An elasticated telephone service call.

I have not had a telephone service call like this one before.

To start with, it seemed quite straight forward in needing to replace a faulty slave/extension socket in the master bedroom.

Next, the customer wanted me to take a look at their old GPO bell box. A bell box is a bit of kit that should ring loud and proud, independently from any phones that are plugged in. They think it was originally installed in 1969 and had recently stopped working.

After asking the customer for an ELASTIC BAND, it was again ringing away. Probably not the most ideal solution, and the unit will probably shut down completely at some point. But at least it gets to live another day.

http://www.ashfordvision.co.uk

“Can I order room service please? Hello? I don’t think the phone is working…”

I was at Holiday Inn Ashford Central today after being contacted by Paul from their maintenance department.

They had been suffering with a telephone issue in one of their rooms, and it had come to a total loss of service.

I found a couple of issues with the line; the first was a damaged wire where it had originally been installed incorrectly, many years ago. This coupled with a water leak that occured a while ago, was a recipe for a telephone line disaster. Wires and water do not mix!

Once this issue was repaired, there was still an issue with the line. I then swapped the internal Telco wire pair for the room in question, and after a test call to reception, it was confirmed that the phone was back up and running again.

Great news. And in the words of the rapper called Pitbul, “Hotel Motel Holiday Inn”. Well, that is what I have been singing to myself all afternoon!