Landline phones in homes and businesses across the UK are switching from analogue to digital. This national upgrade is being led by phone companies such as BT and Virgin and is due to be completed by the end of 2027.
The switchover means that instead of plugging your phone into a wall socket, you will plug it into your internet router and calls will be made using your broadband connection. If you do not have an internet connection, phone companies will ensure that there is still a ‘landline only’ service offered.
For most people the digital switchover will be straightforward. Your phone company should contact you when it is time to switch. There is an information sheet available to help businesses prepare for the switchover.
Telecare users should contact phone provider
Most telecare equipment currently relies on an analogue phone line connection to the call centre. If you or someone you know uses a telecare device, such as a wearable alarm or a fall detector, you need to take extra steps to make sure your equipment continues to work properly after the switchover.
Contact the phone company responsible for your landline and let them know that you use telecare. They will give you additional support and check if your existing equipment is ‘digital-ready’.
You should also ask your phone company for a 1-hour battery back-up unit to keep your phone working during a power cut. If this is not possible, make sure you have a mobile phone for emergencies.
Reconnecting telecare devices
When the engineer from your phone company visits to update your phone line, tell them that you use a telecare system.
The engineer should help reconnect your devices to the digital network.
After the digital switchover you should test your alarm every month. Press your alarm and tell the control centre it is a test.
Contact our telecare team
If you cannot reconnect your system or if the engineer cannot help, contact our telecare team for advice on 01454 866898.
More information
More information for individuals and businesses is available on the digital phone switchover hub.
