The Digital Switchover how it may affect you

The UK’s telephone network is changing. Openreach are removing the old analogue Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) between now and January 2027 to a fully digital network across the UK.

This means services that rely on the old landline system such as home phones and healthcare devices will be switched over.  Let your telecoms provider know if you or a family member rely on their landline to make calls.

Information regarding The Digital Switchover and how it may affect you can be found on the Worcestershire County website

How will it affect me?

The good news is – your landline isn’t going anywhere and for most consumers and businesses, this change will be straightforward. In fact, many customers are already making the switch when they upgrade to full fibre broadband.

Your telecoms provider such as Virgin Media O2 or BT should contact you before the switchover to check in and discuss what you need to do to make sure your service isn’t affected. However, we’re encouraging everyone to know what to expect.

If you have an internet connection, the change may be as simple as plugging your phone into your broadband router rather than the socket on the wall.

If you have other devices connected to your phone line, such as alarm systems, your alarm service provider might need to upgrade your device to make sure it is compatible.

What do I need to do?

If you are unsure about how a device in your home or business might be affected, it is recommended you contact the equipment supplier or device manufacturer to find out whether it will still work on a digital phone line.

Do you depend or someone you know depend on their landline to make calls?  If yes, notify your telecoms provider now (e.g. BT, Virgin etc.) so that they are aware and can ensure an uninterrupted service.

Do you use our NEW Lifeline Service? (A shared Service with Redditch Borough Council). Then no need to worry, we are ready for the switch over, and you do not need to do anything. 

If you or someone you know use a different provider for your telecare/ Technology Enabled care equipment please notify your telecoms provider.  Alternatively, please contact NEW Lifeline who can offer advice, reassurance or discuss digital ready options with you.

In an emergency

Digital landlines cannot carry a power connection, so in the event of a power cut they will not work. If you have a mobile phone this can still be used, but if you’ve no other means of calling the emergency services your telecoms provider will offer a solution to allow calls to be made to emergency services.

You should tell your telecoms provider now if you have no other way of making emergency calls.

Scam Warning

Criminals are posing as BT staff and phoning residents to ask them for their personal and payment details in order to upgrade their phone lines to the digital service. If you refuse to cooperate then they threaten to cut off your landline. They are also using emails with similar messages.

As with other frauds, the criminal will also add pressure by claiming the deadline is imminent, even though the deadline set up by BT is January 2027.

HOW TO STAY SAFE

• Ignore any requests for payments and financial information
• Your provider will never ask for money to upgrade to the digital service

Some providers are also employing door to door sales techniques to get residents to upgrade to their service. Always check their identity and if you are not sure, phone that company to check the representative is genuine. Also, never be pressured to make an instant decision on the doorstep