What is the digital switchover?

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is offering older people reassurance, as traditional telephone infrastructure is replaced by a digital service.

Many older people have been asking questions about landline phones being replaced as the UK’s telephone network goes digital, says Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin.

The telecoms industry has even set a deadline that is backed by the UK government; the old copper network will be switched off at the end of 2025.

‘We’ve been receiving a lot of enquiries from people concerned about all this, confused about what is going on or worried that they might be left out,’ says Janet Guice, Digital Inclusion Project Officer at Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin.

The plan is that the old copper phone network that delivers analogue landline phone services will be switched off at the end of next year and for all landline services to be offered digitally.

‘The phone network that has existed since the Victorian era is coming to the end of its life, and our needs have changed immensely,’ says Janet.

How does the digital switchover affect me?

‘Many people are actually already on full fibre broadband with a digital connection to their telephone. For everyone else, the transition will be seamless. However, in parts of Shropshire, of course, full fibre is yet to be rolled out, but it is on its way.’

‘Other questions we get are around changing of telephone numbers and the alarming increase in scamming. Well, there will be no change to your telephone number, and we are assured the switchover will improve the ability to stop scam calls before they reach you.’

What if there is a power cut?

The digital phone is connected to electricity sockets. Customers who are vulnerable will require battery back-up for the digital phone. They must request the battery back-up if they are reliant on additional needs such as health issue alarm pendants or are without a mobile signal.

Switchover scams?

People are urged to beware anyone contacting them during the switchover process who may claim to be part of the process but is not in fact from BT digital services. If in doubt, call 150 BT Helpline or contact Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin on 01743 233 123 or email enquiries@ageukstw.org.uk for advice.