Posted inTelecom Infra
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Today’s fixed line telephone system, or what is referred to as the PSTN or WLR is outdated and needs upgrading.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.
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.
Recent posts
Posted inTelecom Infra
Stop Sell
What is a Stop Sell of traditional analogue landline phone services? From September 5th 2023 Openreach, the company Read More »
Posted inBT Consumer
BT Digital Voice Rollout
What is BT Digital Voice? BT Digital Voice is BT's Consumer Digital (Internet) based voice service that is Read More »
Posted inTelecom Infra
Businesses are you ready for the Digital Line Switchover?
Do you have any of the following? Telephone switchboard systems Payment Systems Medical systems Fire and/or Security Alarms Read More »
Posted inEmergency Calls
How to make calls in a power cut
In a Power Cut you'll need an alternative way to power the digital landline or have another way Read More »
Posted inTelecom Infra
Openreach – Retiring our copper network
The bigger picture of what is happening in the UK's Telecoms Industry Openreach are rolling out their Ultrafast Read More »
LATEST SOCIAL POSTS
Got a question about the #DigitalSwitchover to Digital Voice?
Visit BT's Digital Voice team at:
📆 24-25 July, 10-4pm
#Arbroath: Morrisons, Hume Street
📆 24 July, 10-4pm
#Cumbernauld: Caulders Garden Centre, Mainhead Farm
📆 25-26 July, 10-4pm
#Bearsden: Dobbies Garden Centre, Boclair Road, Milngavie
More info 👇
Visit BT's Digital Voice team at:
📆 24-25 July, 10-4pm
#Arbroath: Morrisons, Hume Street
📆 24 July, 10-4pm
#Cumbernauld: Caulders Garden Centre, Mainhead Farm
📆 25-26 July, 10-4pm
#Bearsden: Dobbies Garden Centre, Boclair Road, Milngavie
More info 👇
Digital Voice | Digital Home Phone | BT
Experience Digital Voice from BT. With Call Diversion & Call Protect, upgrade now to get crystal clear calling.
Enniskillen, we're coming your way! Our digital team is on the road this summer, visiting communities all over Northern Ireland to talk about the digital switchover.
If you want to know more about it yourself or be able to support people in your community as they prepare for the change to our landlines, come to the library on Tuesday, August 6, for an informal info session.
No need to book - just turn up!
More info: https://supportingcommunities.org/latest-events/2024/9/2/bt-digital-voice-enniskillen
#digitalswitchover #landlines #getconnected #supportingcommunities #enniskillen #northernireland Enniskillen Macular Support Group Leaf Centre Cavanaleckchanterhill Fermanagh House Fermanagh Rural Community Network
Enniskillen Macular Support Group Libraries NI Devenish Partnership Forum Murphy's on Main Street West End Partnership Enniskillen
If you want to know more about it yourself or be able to support people in your community as they prepare for the change to our landlines, come to the library on Tuesday, August 6, for an informal info session.
No need to book - just turn up!
More info: https://supportingcommunities.org/latest-events/2024/9/2/bt-digital-voice-enniskillen
#digitalswitchover #landlines #getconnected #supportingcommunities #enniskillen #northernireland Enniskillen Macular Support Group Leaf Centre Cavanaleckchanterhill Fermanagh House Fermanagh Rural Community Network
Enniskillen Macular Support Group Libraries NI Devenish Partnership Forum Murphy's on Main Street West End Partnership Enniskillen
BT is hosting a roadshow in Cumbernauld to assist people in transitioning from analogue to digital landlines.
The BT roadshow will take place on the 23rd and 24th of July from 10:00 to 16:00 at Caulders Garden Centre (car park), Mainhead Farm, Westerwood Roundabout, Cumbernauld, G68 0EB.
https://www.bt.com/broadband/digital-voice/events
The BT roadshow will take place on the 23rd and 24th of July from 10:00 to 16:00 at Caulders Garden Centre (car park), Mainhead Farm, Westerwood Roundabout, Cumbernauld, G68 0EB.
https://www.bt.com/broadband/digital-voice/events
Limavady area folks! We'll be in your neck of the woods on Tuesday, 6 August, to talk about the digital switchover!
If you've got questions, or concerns or want to be able to help others who might need some support, join us at the library for an info session.
No need to book - just come along and say hi!
More info: https://supportingcommunities.org/latest-events/2024/9/2/bt-digital-voice-limavady
#digitalswitchover #landlines #getconnected #supportingcommunities #limavady #northernireland Limavady Volunteer Centre Drive Project Rvra Limavady Limavady Community Development Initiative - LCDI Coolessan community association Dungiven Men's Shed Magilligan Community Association
If you've got questions, or concerns or want to be able to help others who might need some support, join us at the library for an info session.
No need to book - just come along and say hi!
More info: https://supportingcommunities.org/latest-events/2024/9/2/bt-digital-voice-limavady
#digitalswitchover #landlines #getconnected #supportingcommunities #limavady #northernireland Limavady Volunteer Centre Drive Project Rvra Limavady Limavady Community Development Initiative - LCDI Coolessan community association Dungiven Men's Shed Magilligan Community Association
Throughout July & August 2024 BT's Digital Voice team will be touring #Scotland 🏴
Got a question or want to learn more about the #DigitalSwitchover to Digital Voice? Why not visit one of their events👇
No need to pre-book, just turn up.
https://www.bt.com/broadband/digital-voice/events
Got a question or want to learn more about the #DigitalSwitchover to Digital Voice? Why not visit one of their events👇
No need to pre-book, just turn up.
https://www.bt.com/broadband/digital-voice/events