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Digital Switchover (easy read)

The UK’s phone network is changing.

It is changing because the network is old and doesn’t always work. Digital is faster and works better.

  • Calls on house phones will use the same digital network used for the internet
  • Many calls are already made in that way
  • The change should be finished by January 2027
  • You can speak to your phone provider to find out when your line will be switching
  • Calls on house phones will use the same digital network used for the internet
  • Many calls are already made in that way
  • The change should be finished by January 2027
  • You can speak to your phone provider to find out when your line will be switching
  • Your phone provider will tell you when you will switch and make sure your service stays the same
  • If you have broadband, you will change network by plugging your house phone into the router instead of the wall socket
  • Some people with only a house phone might be given a router to use to power the phone
  • You can find out more about what to expect here Digital switchover hub | Local Government Association
  • Your phone provider will tell you when you will switch and make sure your service stays the same
  • If you have broadband, you will change network by plugging your house phone into the router instead of the wall socket
  • Some people with only a house phone might be given a router to use to power the phone
  • You can find out more about what to expect here Digital switchover hub | Local Government Association

People are vulnerable if they:

  • Are over 75
  • Use a personal alarm or healthcare device
  • Do not use broadband at home
  • Live in an area with no mobile signal or do not have a mobile phone device
  • Have additional needs
  • Have concerns or questions about what you need to do to make sure your phone line is not affected
  • Have a permanent mental/physical disability or serious illness or age-related risks
  • Have temporary mental/physical disability or serious illness

People are vulnerable if they:

  • Are over 75
  • Use a personal alarm or healthcare device
  • Do not use broadband at home
  • Live in an area with no mobile signal or do not have a mobile phone device
  • Have additional needs
  • Have concerns or questions about what you need to do to make sure your phone line is not affected
  • Have a permanent mental/physical disability or serious illness or age-related risks
  • Have temporary mental/physical disability or serious illness
  • Digital lines do not carry a power source like the old lines. This means the new network will not work if there is a power cut
  • If you or someone you know needs a landline or uses Telecare for a fall monitor, lifeline or personal alarm, you need to tell your phone provider
  • Phone providers must make sure vulnerable people are able to make emergency calls in a power cut

Contact your phone provider if you or someone you know:

  • Is vulnerable, worried or has questions about making sure the phone isn’t going to be affected

Call 150 to speak to your phone provider or call the number on your phone bill

  • Tell them you or someone you know is vulnerable and needs extra support
  • Digital lines do not carry a power source like the old lines. This means the new network will not work if there is a power cut
  • If you or someone you know needs a landline or uses Telecare for a fall monitor, lifeline or personal alarm, you need to tell your phone provider
  • Phone providers must make sure vulnerable people are able to make emergency calls in a power cut

Contact your phone provider if you or someone you know:

  • Is vulnerable, worried or has questions about making sure the phone isn’t going to be affected

Call 150 to speak to your phone provider or call the number on your phone bill

  • Tell them you or someone you know is vulnerable and needs extra support
  • They can have a free battery and phone for emergency use
  • A friend or family member can be chosen to help with the switch
  • They can have Telecare support from Spring 2025 with help from an expert to make sure it works after the switch
  • They can have a free battery and phone for emergency use
  • A friend or family member can be chosen to help with the switch
  • They can have Telecare support from Spring 2025 with help from an expert to make sure it works after the switch
  • BT has a service to help while the switch is happening. This will work until 2030
  • Other phone providers have other ways to keep phones working
  • BT has a service to help while the switch is happening. This will work until 2030
  • Other phone providers have other ways to keep phones working