Digital Switchover

The UK digital telephone switchover, replacing traditional landlines with digital services, is prompting specific concerns for the elderly and vulnerable. Many rely on landlines for essential services like personal alarms and careline systems, which may need adjustments to work with the new digital system. 

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So, what is the digital switchover?

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• The traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), or copper wire landlines, are being phased out. 

• Calls will be routed through broadband connections (Digital Voice). 

• The switchover will happen region by region, with a complete shutdown by January 2027. The Southwest Region is due to start from Summer 2025.

 

So, what will it mean for me?

 

•  Where you plug your phone in:

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Phones will no longer be plugged into Telephone sockets and instead will be plugged into the back of your router.  If you currently have your phone plugged into, say a socket in your lounge but your router is in your hallway you will need to either have your router rerouted to your lounge or an extension ran from the router into the room. You will also need to consider your options if you currently have telephones plugged into current sockets in other rooms as these will stop working.

 

• Personal Alarms and Careline Devices:

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If you rely on any of these devices for emergency assistance. These may need to be adapted or replaced to work with the new digital system. 

 

• What if I don’t have Broadband:

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If you don’t have Broadband don’t worry, your provider will arrange a router which can be used specifically for calls without the need to subscribe a broadband package.

 

I can assist you with all aspects of the Switchover to make sure it is a seamless process with no loss of telephone service or worry about having to move you phone from where you want it.