Any way to test 111 calls?

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dcole13

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Topic # 151408 24-Aug-2014 17:23

Hi,

Since I'm setting up an Asterisk server I would like to test 111 to make sure I can get through if I need to. Is there any way to do this without having to pay a fee?

Thanks

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Reply # 1114668 24-Aug-2014 17:24

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It will say something like, This is 111 please hang up if this isn't an emergency..

solaybro

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Reply # 1114669 24-Aug-2014 17:27

Just call them and see if it rings then hang up. I have pocket dialled 111 before and I never got a call back or anything when I hung up without saying anything.

coffeebaron

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Reply # 1114687 24-Aug-2014 17:35

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I do this often with VoIP installs. I just call and let them know I'm testing a phone system. Never been an issue.

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dcole13

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Reply # 1114689 24-Aug-2014 17:37

Thanks, i'll give that a go.

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chevrolux

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Reply # 1114829 24-Aug-2014 22:08

As above, just ring them and test. I do it every time I do an install. Never been an issue but is very important to test especially if you have toll barring and things in place that could potentially stop it.

I just say something 'Hi, this is not an emergency. I am a phone technician testing a Voice-over-IP phone system. Thanks. Bye."

I tend to think the 'this is not an emergency' part is the most important.

old3eyes

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Reply # 1114968 25-Aug-2014 10:46

TimA has the best solution. I use this method all the time however on a new installs I always verify the number I'm calling from..

Regards,

Old3eyes

ajobbins

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Reply # 1114996 25-Aug-2014 11:17

Call them and advise you're testing a phone system, but also ask the call taker to verify the CLID they have been presented, to ensure that you're sending the right one.

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gundar

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Reply # 1115004 25-Aug-2014 11:24

Some years ago, I was renting a place on River Road in Hamilton and about 4 months after I moved in, at about 2am, the cops showed up unexpectedly. I answered the door and they explained that they had received a 111 number which disconnected before anybody could answer and they were following it up. The number was last registered as being a resident of the house I was renting and I had to show them a document I had floating around to prove that I was living there as a tennant but also the address of the landlord - it was his daughter's mobile number apparently, that the call originated from.

They were really nice about it but it was a big house with a discrete basement and on a gully section... any creepy horror story could have started out like that. I plus one letting the call go through and stating that it is a test call only and be prompt to hang up once you get acknowledgement, like "Okay" etc.

mrdrifter

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Reply # 1115028 25-Aug-2014 11:49

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Simply make the call and advise the operator that you are a phone technician testing a new phone installation - you can also request the CLID, but please keep in mind these operators can be very busy.

Don't just hang up - the operator is required to code any calls they get and depending on workload or other outside events these may require follow up which consumes time and effort.

Source - I used to manage a 111/010/018 call queue for Sitel contracted to Telecom.

Nil Einne

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Reply # 1189532 5-Dec-2014 17:51

I the same question so this post and responses were very helpful. Thanks everyone!

Asked for this to be unlocked. Just wondering if anyone has any recommendations for what time (or even day) to do this in a simple case like a self set-up home office or similar where you have flexibility. I'm guessing it will be quite variable (beyond obvious cases like if there's just been an earthquake or whatever). But I would also guess some times tend to be busier than others, so even with more staff probably better to avoid calling at those times just in case.

Cheers

timmmay

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Reply # 1189541 5-Dec-2014 18:09

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Guys just FYI I've marked the questions that say "call and hang up before they answer" as "not a correct answer" due to the risk of callbacks and the police turning up - even though I know it probably won't happen. Letting it connect and checking the number sounds a lot more sensible to me. Happy for the group to decide I'm incorrect and change what's actually an answer.

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grudge

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Reply # 1189544 5-Dec-2014 18:31

Wouldn't worry about time of day, just call when you need to test it and make it as short as you can, imo.

coffeebaron

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Reply # 1189575 5-Dec-2014 19:18

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Maybe not Friday / Saturday night's :)

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ajobbins

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Reply # 1189584 5-Dec-2014 19:40

I'd ask the call taker "If you have time, can you please read back the Calling Line ID you have been presented" so you can check they are seeing the right number. They can always decline if there are other calls in the queue.

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coffeebaron

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Reply # 1189608 5-Dec-2014 21:18

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ajobbins: I'd ask the call taker "If you have time, can you please read back the Calling Line ID you have been presented" so you can check they are seeing the right number. They can always decline if there are other calls in the queue.

They are not always keen to give out the CID, best to ask if they can confirm the number they see is: [insert your number here]. Same if you want to confirm address.

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