What you need to do for the UK digital telephone switchover
The UK’s telephone network is undergoing a major transformation. Here’s how you can prepare for the digital switchover and ensure a smooth transition, especially for older and vulnerable individuals. Here’s a quick explanation of what’s happening and why, and steps you can take to ensure your older family and friends stay safe and secure after the switch.
Understand the Change
- What’s happening? The old analogue ‘copper wire’ networks are being replaced with ‘fibre’ digital networks.
- Why? The old networks are outdated and parts are no longer available for maintenance or repair.
- When? The digital switchover is happening now and will be completed by end of 2025.
Benefits of Digital Phone Lines
- Clearer calls Enjoy better quality phone calls.
- New features Access features like anonymous caller rejection and three-way calling.
Potential Challenges
- Power dependency Digital lines require power from your home supply, unlike analogue lines which could work during a power cut.
Important Steps to Take
Check equipment
- Make sure phones and routers are compatible with digital lines.
- Consider getting a backup power system (battery or generator) to keep phones working during power cuts.
Review care-line services
- If you or a loved one use a care-line, ensure it can operate without the old land-line.
- Many carelines now use SIM-based systems which are independent of the home power supply.
Check burglar alarms
- Verify if any alarm systems rely on an analogue line.
- Contact your alarm company to ensure it will work post-switchover.
Support for elderly and infirm
- Awareness Be proactive in informing elderly neighbours or family members about the change.
- BT Solutions BT is offering support for those who may be affected by the switch.
- Check with providers If you’re unsure about care-line or alarm services, contact the provider directly. This applies to local authority supplied care providers and private providers.
Action Steps
- Contact providers Ensure that all services dependent on the phone line are updated for digital compatibility.
- Test alarm systems Trigger any alarms to see who responds and confirm the service provider.
By staying informed and taking these steps, you can help ensure a smooth transition to the new digital telephone network for yourself and those who might need extra support.
Thanks to Surrey and Sussex In the Know service for the information, and ChatGTP for summarising the key steps to take.
Image by UnSplash+
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