BT is axing traditional landlines for millions of customers from this month – check how you’ll be affected
BT is pulling the plug on traditional home phones for millions of its customers in the latest round of switches.
The telecoms giant is moving forward with its plan to replace standard landlines with digital phones.
It comes as part of BT’s Digital Voice Changeover plan and means that all households will need to have an internet connection.
Households are being invited to make the switch to a digital service on a region-by-region basis.
BT has now confirmed that homes in Greater London are the next to be switched over.
The company has already started notifying customers and they’ll be moved over between November and December.
Homes across the country, including in Salisbury and Mildenhall have already moved earlier this year.
Yorkshire and the Humber switched in August and those in Northern Ireland made the move in September.
Each household is given four weeks notice in advance to ensure they’re ready.
Vicky Hicks, senior engagement manager at BT, said: “BT customers in Greater London will benefit from a tried and tested service, with around two million BT customers already having made the switch and benefitting from the many advantages of digital home phones from advanced scam call filtering capabilities to crystal-clear call audio.
“For almost everyone, moving to Digital Voice will be a simple and free transition with no home installation work required.”
She added that if you feel you need extra help with the transition or you think you’re vulnerable, to let them know.
BT previously revealed the list of regions which are up next – and when they will switch over.
Autumn 2023
- North West
- London
Spring 2024
- West Midlands
- South East
- Wales
- East Anglia
Summer 2024
- North East
- Scotland
- South West
Everything that is connected to phone lines will need to be reviewed such as door entry systems and alarms.
In addition, customers who are ready and keen to make the switch to a digital landline can also contact the telecom giant and do so at any given time.
BT launched its Digital Voice programme back in 2019, with the plan being deemed controversial.
For the vast majority of customers, the move to Digital Voice simply involves connecting a landline phone to a broadband router.
The firm said that more than 99% of handsets are compatible with BT’s digital home phone service.
Just under 10million lines still need to move to the new system before BT switches off the old analogue system for good in December 2025.
Earlier this month BT revealed that any new customers will no longer be offered traditional phones.
On top of that, any existing customers who switch to a new BT deal will get a digital rather than traditional landline.
What if I’m vulnerable?
BT has 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 pendant
- Customers who are over 70
- Customers who only use landlines
- Customers with no mobile signal
- Customers 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, an energy bill warning has been issued to seven million customers as a big switch off will cripple smart meters in the UK.
Plus, millions of broadband customers will see their bills go up next year we reveal how it will affect you.
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