Richard has been contacted by BT regarding an update on the transition that they – alongside other telecoms operators – are making from the traditional analogue landline to a new digital service that is fit for the future. This is being referred to as an essential upgrade to replace technology that apparently is becoming obsolete and increasingly unreliable.
Commenting, Richard Fuller MP said
Whilst it is argued that the landline isn’t going away and, for the vast majority of people, making the switch will simply involve plugging the existing phone into a broadband router instead of a wall-mounted phone socket, there is no doubt that the switch is causing alarm amongst some constituents and there are a number of questions that still need answering. For example:
- What mitigation measures are in place in the event of a powercut or other event that knocks out the wifi?
- How will those residents in outlying areas who don't have either reliable broadband or a robust mobile signal be supported?
I wrote to Ofcom in earlier December and this week received a reply, which can be read here. This letter provides some reassurance but still leaves question marks over how robust the mitigation measures will prove to be when theory collides with reality.
BT have suggested the following possible mitigations in my discussions with them:
- A free battery back-up unit (BBU) which will enable calls to be made during a power outage.
- A hybrid phone which a built-in battery that enables calls to be made over the mobile network in the event of a power outage.
BT are holding a series of information events across the East of England to provide more information and answer questions, however unfortunately none are currently scheduled in my North Beds constituency. Customers with enquiries can either attend the nearest event as detailed below, or contact BT on 0330 1234 150.
- St Neots, 30th-31st January 2025, 10:00 to 16:00 St Neots Library, Priory Lane, St Neots, PE19 2BH
Finally, BT previously announced an update to its timetable for moving all customers off the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and onto digital landlines by the end of January 2027. That announcement which contains more information regarding the switch, can be seen here: https://newsroom.bt.com/bt-group-refines-its-digital.../
