The UK Government is urging the 2 million vulnerable people who rely on lifesaving telecare alarms to contact their landline providers to receive essential free support during the switch to digital landlines.
As the switch from analogue to digital landlines is being rolled out nationally, there is a risk that telecare devices may not function correctly without additional support or equipment upgrades.
To ensure safety is at the centre of the switchover, landline companies will send engineers to personally carry out the switchover and test the alarms to ensure it continues to function fully once the household is operating on the digital network. Customers will also be offered a free battery back-up device so that, in the instance of an outage, the device will continue to work.
This major campaign, funded by BT and Virgin Media with backing from the UK government, launched today to urge vulnerable telecare users, typically elderly and disabled people, and their households are not left behind.
Building off the industry charter signed by BT, Virgin Media and other providers, the campaign will adhere to the checklist of safeguards before transferring customers from analogue phone lines to digital networks to reduce the risk of them being disconnected during the migration.
Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant noted: “We cannot afford to leave anyone behind during the vital transition to digital landlines and I have personally set a strict checklist of safeguards for industry to comply with before the migrate any telecare user.”
Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, commented: “The move to digital landlines is a critical moment that risks widening the digital divide if the right support isn’t in place. Millions of vulnerable people rely on telecare alarms connected to their landlines, many of whom already face barriers to digital access, affordability or confidence.
Without proactive action, this transition could leave those most in need disconnected from lifesaving services. This includes family members and frontline workers in public and charity services who require more detailed information to help them support vulnerable people.
It is vital that telecoms providers, government and wider support networks work together to ensure everyone has the support they need and that no one is left behind in the UK’s shift to digital.”
To find out more information about the support available, customers of all major providers can find contact information on the newly created digital landline website: www.digitalphoneswitchover.com
