ON April 10 our phones went off.

During the evening my husband collapsed.

If I had not had a mobile I would not have been able to call an ambulance. Sadly my husband died, as the paramedics could not revive him.

Since then, the whole street has had no phone service. I have spent a fortune on my mobile.

I have broadband with BT so, as the system is down, I cannot email anywhere at this very sad and emotional time I feel completely isolated.

My husband’s sister lives in America and we could try to comfort each other by talking on the phone – but it is obviously far too expensive on our mobiles.

I am due to go back to work on Monday, I have a 97-year-old mum and I will not be able to call her.

However, I was really disgusted to find a message on my mobile telling me I had not paid my bill and could receive a late payment charge.

Then I had a call from BT advising it could be May 13 before we get our phones back.

A neighbour was told it would be May 5.

BT is always saying what a great company it is. I don’t see where the great is.

Mary O’Neill, Bishop Auckland.