Kuddles wrote on Sep 28
th, 2007 at 9:24am:
I have recently gone ex directory but asked BT NOT to withhold my number so that I can decide when to withhold it. My husband's sister phoned to wish him happy birthday but by the time I got to the phone she'd hung up! She left a message and when Raymond tried to phone her back he got a message saying that the phone number doesn't take private number calls... Because my sister in law hasn't had a return call she's going to fall out for life with her brother... yup they're a weird family that my husband has!
As has already been said, 1470 will release your number. BUT BT should have not set you witheld if you asked not to be - the two are seperate, and you can be ex-directory and still release your number. It sounds like an over-zealous operator has set it against your wishes and you should complain. As for why your relative has ACR on their line I will not ask.. You can dial 17070 to double check it's your line - if it says "no number was detected" or suchlike, then you are witheld.
BTW, did you know there were two levels of ex-directory?
http://www.serviceview.bt.com/list/public/current/Exch_Lines_boo/2-0009_d0e5.htm Quote:We recognise that our customers have varying requirements for privacy and contactability and so we offer three levels of directory entry:
Full Directory Entry (DE) - which ensures their contact details are listed in all BT's directory products and services
Directory Enquiries Only (DQR) - which removes their details from printed directories but retains them on Directory Enquiry services. This option prevents disclosure of the customer's address.
Ex-Directory (XD) - which removes their details from published directories and prevents their number being divulged through directory enquiry services.
BT is required to make its directory data available to other directory service providers and to include their data in its own products and services. The uses to which this data can be put are strictly controlled.
I useed to have DQR because I was in a short term rent at the time, and didn't want the number hanging around in books..