Digital switchover – are you ready?

the digital switchover for landlines is underway, with the goal of completing the transition from traditional analogue phone lines to digital services by the end of January 2027. This nationwide initiative involves replacing the old analogue systems with digital technology. People can expect to plug their phones into their broadband router instead of a wall socket after the switch. BT are hopeful that for this part of the UK, switchover will take place this Autumn.

This could very possibly stop telecare alarms from working. If you have such an alarm, it’s important that you contact your landline provider now. They will be able to tell you whether you need an upgraded device, adapter or battery in order to keep your alarm working.

Also, if you are ‘landline dependent’ (ie you have no mobile signal inside your home) then you should register with your landline provider as a ‘vulnerable person’ with landline dependency – this will make sure that your landline switchover will be done before the main switchover and you won’t have to pay for the £150 battery back-up unit or any other equipment that may be needed.