BT is making a major change which will affect thousands of customers.
The telecoms giant is pushing ahead with its plan to scrap traditional landline phone lines from today for new users.
PABT is making a major change which will affect thousands of customers[/caption]
It will see the traditional home phones replaced with new digital phones, requiring all homes to have an internet connection.
Everything that is connected to phone lines will need to be reviewed such as door entry systems and alarms.
BT launched its Digital Voice programme back in 2019, with the plan being deemed controversial.
From today new customers will no longer be offered landline phones and existing customers switching onto a new contract will also be transferred to the new service.
The company plans to have around 10million customers using the new digital system within the next two years.
The switch would mean that households will need to get either a broadband connection to be able to make digital calls with their landline or a new mobile phone.
There were concerns from charities when the plans were first announced that elderly or vulnerable Brits could be left isolated by the move.
An investigation also found that the move would leave thousands of vulnerable customers at risk of not being able to phone the emergency services during power outages.
Regulator Ofcom said at the time that millions of households didn’t have access to the internet.
Following this BT temporarily halted the planned roll out, plans then resumed in June after the company said it had addressed the concerns.
BT said it will ensure that vulnerable and elderly households are kept connected by providing free handsets that switch between using broadband and mobile network signal during power cuts.
An BT Openreach spokesperson said: “Since the retirement of BT’s analogue network was first publicised, we’ve been working closely with Communications Providers to migrate their customers onto digital technologies ahead of the 2025 deadline.
“We’ve conducted extensive trials since 2020 to identify and iron out issues, and we’ve already stopped selling analogue products in more than 500 exchange areas – covering some 4.6m premises.
“This stop-sell process will extend nationwide in early September for any customers who don’t have an agreed exemption.
“We’re proud of our multi billion pound investment to bring faster, more reliable Full Fibre broadband to 25million homes and businesses across the country, and we’re determined to deliver a world-class, modern and reliable communications network for the entire UK.”
What if I’m vulnerable?
BT previously told The Sun that for now it won’t be proactively switching customers who fall under a number of categories.
This included households with:
Customers with a healthcare pendantCustomers who are over 70Customers who only use landlinesCustomers with no mobile signalCustomers who have disclosed any additional needs
According to BT, these customers will be delayed from switching as work continues with stakeholder groups to build confidence in the new solutions it has.
Certain devices people use at home, such as care alarms, security alarms and fax machines may also be connected you your landline and could be affected by the switch.
If you have a device like this, it might need to be replaced or reconfigured to continue working once you move to a digital landline service.
According to regulator rules, your provider should tell you what you need to do if you have one of these devices.
This will include informing your alarm provider so they can make the necessary changes or tell you if your alarm will work with your new service.
Those who only rely on a landline phone service and don’t have access to a mobile phone must be offered a solution from their telecom provider to stay connected during power cuts.
This could include a mobile phone (if you have a signal), or a battery backup unit for your landline phone.
Ofcom says that these solutions must be provided free of charge to people who are dependent on their landline only.
But if you aren’t eligible for free support, your provider must signpost you to a retailer that stocks what you’ll need.
What if I’m not with BT?
BT has taken the decision to retire its dated landline system by December 2025.
But this means other providers that use BT’s network must follow the same timescale.
Other companies with their own networks such as Virgin Media plan to follow a similar programme which will have its own timescale.
To find out when you’ll need to take action, contact your own landline provider directly.
Meanwhile, another major broadband provider has launched a cheaper tariff to support people on Universal Credit.
Plus, here’s how to beat rip-off broadband and mobile bills and save £900 a year with little-known tricks.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.