Sky Talk Shield Activation

[GMSmith]

Is it possible for a definitive answer, as to why we can not turn on the Sky Talk Shield, scrolling through hundreds of messages dating back over 4 years now, I can't get an answer, slowly but surely I'm recieving more and more spam callers again and the option to block these is a fantastic idea, if the option is there, tell us how to activate it, if the option isn't there, remove the Sky Talk Shield option all together, problem solved. 🤔 How about just a "Block last caller" option, that would at least help a little.

[Mark39]

@GMSmith the Sky Talk Shield is available on all Sky network telephone lines. Outside Sky's network, Sky use BT lines to provide the Sky Talk service where Sky Talk Shield is not available - but those are very small numbers and you'd be particularly unlucky if it applies to you.

You'll need to contact Sky to activate the Shield initially. You can then turn it on and off as you wish. A live chat option is available by tapping on the 'still need help' button here and following the prompts:  https://www.sky.com/help/sky-talk/sky-talk-features/sky-talk-shield/articles/sky-talk-shield-getting...

[GMSmith]

Thanks for the reply Mark39, following your post, I'll follow up with ;

"Whoops, there's been an error

There's been an error loading the page and we can't change your settings right now. If you've just activated Sky Talk Shield it can take up to 24 hours before you can make changes. Please try again later."

[Mark39]

@GMSmith I'm afraid that's a long outstanding fault which affects some, but not all customers. Sky acknowledge it here, but don't seem to be in a hurry to fix it: https://www.sky.com/help/sky-talk/sky-talk-features/sky-talk-shield/articles/sky-talk-shield-start

However, although undeniably less convenient you can still turn on/off call screening and add/remove blocked numbers via your phone handset as explained here: https://www.sky.com/help/sky-talk/sky-talk-features/sky-talk-shield/articles/sky-talk-shield-using-s... 

[GMSmith]

Thanks again for your help Mark39.

Have tried all suggested methods with no luck, I suppose an alternate method will be needed for unsolicited phone calls for now.

[Mark39]

@GMSmith sorry to hear that. If I may suggest, I'd look for a phone which offers a call screening service. Simply blocking numbers may not get you very far as spammers and scammers can and do 'spoof' the number they appear to be calling from. So block one and a different number may pop up a few days later.

Call screening intercepts the call and requires the caller to state who they are before the call is referred to you to accept or decline. In my experience rogue callers give up when the call is intercepted and don't proceed, so you're never bothered by them.

BT's Truecall is built into some phones and offers a screening service. You don't have to have a BT landline to use them.

[GMSmith]

That's some brilliant information, thank you so much Mark39 👍