You may be aware that by January 2027, the UK’s old copper phone network will be switched off. For older or vulnerable residents, particularly those with telecare alarms or no mobile phone, it can be confusing and potentially risky if they’re not prepared in time.
These changes will affect everyone who has or relies on a home phone, particularly for a telecare alarm, medical device, or burglar alarm. With less than a year to go before the switchover, ignoring provider messages mean the services you rely on may be disrupted. It’s important to take action when BT, Virgin Media O2 or your landline provider, like TalkTalk, Sky, Zen, EE, PlusNet or any other provider contacts you, or even better – DO NOT wait to be contacted and instead contact your provider today. For most, it’s as simple as plugging your phone into your router instead of the wall socket.
Further information and support are available on BT’s Connected Together site www.bt.com/about/all-ip/connected-together, or by calling 0330 1234 150.
Don’t put off switching and make sure you and your loved ones are supported throughout the process.
You can also watch BT’s Digital Voice Expert explaining how to prepare for the UK Landline Switchover www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFYk2cVGgOU&t=13s It is a simple guide explaining what to expect.
There is a checklist available below: