Jiggerypokery

I have often wondered what would happen if I received a phone call where the calling person doesn't replace the handset after the call. Today I found out when my disorganised mate forgot to lock the keypad on his mobile and I got a "silent" phone call for a few seconds before getting the "on hold" tones. Setting down the phone at my end did nothing, everytime I picked up the receiver I just got more of the "hold" tone.

Anyway, thinking it was some nutcase or prank, I spoke to BT (using another line), who said there was nothing I could do about it, just wait 20 - 30 minutes and hope they hang up. What if I need to make an emergency call? Good question, the BT engineer said. Eventually they came up with a plan which involved the fault department testing the line to cause it to drop the call.

Is there really nothing I could have done? Can someone really tie up a phone line for hours if they want to?
Help is appreciated for future reference!

[Edited by Jiggerypokery - 11/6/2003 5:46:57 PM]