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Telecare and Care Alarms
Got a care alarm, lifeline, telecare or any medical devices? ⚠️ Let your communication provider know about these Read More »
BT Announces Their Digital Voice Rollout Plan
BT has published where and when they will migrate existing customers onto their Digital Voice service.
Find out more here along with info on their roadshows to help you get prepared
Find out more here along with info on their roadshows to help you get prepared
Digital Landline Switchover Timeline
- Telecom industry announced its intention to close the PSTN in 2025
- Openreach consultation on WLR withdrawal launched
- The 12 month countdown timer has begun until the UK nationwide Stop Sell of traditional landline phone services comes into force.
- 6 months until the UK nationwide Stop Sell of traditional landline phone services comes into force.
- 3 months until the UK nationwide Stop Sell of traditional landline phone services comes into force.
- A UK nationwide Stop Sell of traditional landline phone services is now in place. Communication providers will contact customers letting them know when they will be migrated to a digital landline.
- The traditional landline phone service (PSTN/WLR) is now closed
Today’s fixed line telephone system, or what is referred to as the PSTN or WLR is outdated and needs upgrading. The telecommunications industry are leading on a nationwide change to move from the current network to an Internet based voice network, knows as VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol.
Working with government, organisations and industries across the board the current PSTN network will be closed in January 2027. A nationwide stop sell of new voice services using the PSTN phone network will come into force in September 2023.
This means between now and 2027 you need to take action to be prepared and ready to be moved onto the new Internet, VoIP, based voice service by your communication provider.
Learn more about the Digital Switchover at a Community Engagement Event
Latest Community Engagement Events:
Things you can do to be prepared…
Alternative Ways To Communicate Or Supply Power
Internet/VoIp systems rely on your mains power as it’s needed to power your router so the Internet connection can be established. The old PSTN system carried 50 volts down the copper line along with the analogue phone signal and the power was supplied down it from batteries and generators from your local exchange. As you move off the PSTN system you will no longer be able to power your household corded phones from the power supplied down the copper phone line.
In order to be able to use the Digital phone when there’s a power-cut you will need a Battery Backup or UPS.
Communication Providers may offer you a free battery backup unit that can last at least an hour if you are deemed vulnerable*. Otherwise you can purchase a battery backup or UPS device online.
It is also advised to make sure you have an alternative method of making a call if there is a power outage such as using a mobile phone. Some communication providers also have hybrid household phone handsets that can automatically switch between connecting to your router and the mobile network.
*OFCOM’s guidance on battery backup/UPS units: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/123118/guidance-emergency-access-power-cut.pdf?fbclid=IwAR22sAinVTEFeY9JymHPBL3r0dhxjrdb6WWLny5xdXPdb37e1vHS3NBeDh8
Upgrade Alarms, Lifelines And Other Connected Devices
If you have any device such as an alarm, monitoring devices or a Telecare system that connects to the traditional copper telephone line then you will need to contact the company that supplies you with this service to inform them that your telephone line is being upgraded to an new Internet Protocol based service.
In order for these devices to continue to work they may need to be upgraded so they are compatible or use an alternative method to communicate, for example switching to use the mobile network instead or connecting via WiFi.
If you know you have devices that may be affected it’s best to get these sorted now before you are moved onto the new Internet based (VoIP) voice service.
Your Handsets Will Connect To Your Router Not The Wall Sockets
Once moved onto your communication providers Internet based (VoIP) voice service, your existing handsets will need to be plugged into your router. Your extension telephone wall sockets will no longer work. You will also need a broadband connection but communication providers may provide a lite connection just for the digital landline service to work.
Some communication providers may supply you a new router that you will have to use in order for the voice service to work. Also some may offer devices or service specific handsets that allows you to wirelessly connect to the voice service without having to plug the handset into the back of your router.
Your communication provider will provide you with information in how to get it working.
WHAT ABOUT PHONE ONLY CUSTOMERS?
A broadband connection is required but communication providers have been given lots of options including low bandwidth broadband services just for the Internet/Digital Voice based service to work. Communication providers will switch current phone-only customers to one of these services. You will then get some form of hub or router that will enable your phone to work.
Age UK has provided some handy guidance on this and organisations such as Age UK are working with communication providers as they roll out this change.
Local Area Code
When making a local call, you will now need to dial the area code too. If you forget you will likely get an automated message stating to redial with the area code.
WHY LANDLINE PHONE SERVICES ARE GOING DIGITAL…
Maintenance. Global Decline In Spare Parts
The current PSTN we use today is no longer maintainable. There are lack of spare parts and knowledge as this technology has dramatically declined around the world.
Enabler For Move To Full Fibre
The UK is shifting to Full Fibre (FTTP) and moving to VoIP/Internet based voice services enables this.
The UK government wants 85% of the UK having gigabit and full fibre broadband services available by 2026. 100% by 2030.
New Possibilities And Future Proofing
Moving to VoIP/Internet based voice services allows integrations with modern day systems providing more opportunities and features such as simultaneous multi calls, high definition audio and more advanced calling features. It can also mean reduced costs too.
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LATEST SOCIAL POSTS
We are working together with BT to raise awareness amongst unpaid carers about the move to digital landlines and how this may impact the people they care for.
If you need additional support or identify as vulnerable, you can contact your phone company to let them know so that they can provide additional support for you and/or the person you care for. BT customers can call 0330 1234 150 for support.
Find out more information here: https://go.carersuk.org/49GsCXr?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign&utm_content=ap_k3bo4h5fyu
#DigitalSwitchover
If you need additional support or identify as vulnerable, you can contact your phone company to let them know so that they can provide additional support for you and/or the person you care for. BT customers can call 0330 1234 150 for support.
Find out more information here: https://go.carersuk.org/49GsCXr?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign&utm_content=ap_k3bo4h5fyu
#DigitalSwitchover
Did you know that the switch to digital landlines impacts care alarms? 🚨
If you or a loved one rely on a care alarm, make sure to reach out to your telephone provider to understand the necessary steps to keep your phone line and care alarm operational 📞
For more information, visit www.essex.gov.uk/landline-switch
#DigitalInclusion #DigitalEssex
If you or a loved one rely on a care alarm, make sure to reach out to your telephone provider to understand the necessary steps to keep your phone line and care alarm operational 📞
For more information, visit www.essex.gov.uk/landline-switch
#DigitalInclusion #DigitalEssex
The UK’s landlines are getting an upgrade and soon most phone calls will be made over a broadband line.
BT are visiting Harrow Libraries to talk about their new Digital Voice service. You don’t have to pre-book, just turn up and meet the BT team at these two sessions:
26th November
10:30 - 16:00
Pinner Library, 78 Marsh Road, Pinner HA5 5NQ
27th November
10:30 - 16:00
Greenhill library, Perceval Square, College Road, Harrow HA1 1GX
For more information, please visit: www.bt.com/digitalvoice
BT Harrow Council #digitalvoice
BT are visiting Harrow Libraries to talk about their new Digital Voice service. You don’t have to pre-book, just turn up and meet the BT team at these two sessions:
26th November
10:30 - 16:00
Pinner Library, 78 Marsh Road, Pinner HA5 5NQ
27th November
10:30 - 16:00
Greenhill library, Perceval Square, College Road, Harrow HA1 1GX
For more information, please visit: www.bt.com/digitalvoice
BT Harrow Council #digitalvoice
Landlines are going digital - Landlines Go Digital
The UK's landline phone network is going digital and the old system closing in 2027. Find out how to be prepared for moving to Digital Voice and why the current system is closing.
BT Digital Voice are carrying out a series of customer drop-in engagement events throughout November and December. These are to raise awareness of the switchover to digital home phones, and we'll be hosting some of these really beneficial information sessions here at the library on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 November. No need to book, just pop in between 10am and 4pm
📣 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐊 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕 📣
If you would like to know more about this industry wide change come along a find out more from the Digital Voice Team from BT throughout October.
𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
📍 𝘽𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙇𝙞𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙮
📅 16 October
🕙 Between 10:00 and 14:00
📍 𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙢 𝙇𝙞𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙮
📅 23 and 24 October
🕙 Between 10:00 and 16:00 at
📍 𝘾𝙧𝙪𝙢𝙡𝙞𝙣 𝙇𝙞𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙮
📅 22 and 25 October
🕙 Between 10:00 and 16:00
No booking necessary, just turn up.
For more information visit 🔗 https://brnw.ch/21wNwGq
#ANBorough #Landlines #GoDigital
If you would like to know more about this industry wide change come along a find out more from the Digital Voice Team from BT throughout October.
𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
📍 𝘽𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙇𝙞𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙮
📅 16 October
🕙 Between 10:00 and 14:00
📍 𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙢 𝙇𝙞𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙮
📅 23 and 24 October
🕙 Between 10:00 and 16:00 at
📍 𝘾𝙧𝙪𝙢𝙡𝙞𝙣 𝙇𝙞𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙮
📅 22 and 25 October
🕙 Between 10:00 and 16:00
No booking necessary, just turn up.
For more information visit 🔗 https://brnw.ch/21wNwGq
#ANBorough #Landlines #GoDigital