BT issues message to millions of households as traditional landline phones to be 'switched off'

Richard Guttridge
·3-min read
Criminals are now using telephone fraud more often to target victims
All landline phones are being moved over to a new internet service by next year. -Credit:PA


BT has shared details about how the end of traditional landline phones will affect millions of households. People who use landlines are being told to be prepare for the biggest changes to phone lines in decades.

It involves the end of the traditional landline phones as we know them as households who still use them are switched over to an internet-based service. Families have been assured that they will hardly notice any difference when the switch is made and they should still be able to use their phone as they always have and keep the same number.

However, BT has admitted people won't be able to use it in the event of a power cut or if the broadband goes down, including to make 999 calls. This has sparked concerns about people who live in areas with poor mobile phone signal.

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BT has also issued a message to households which don't currently have internet connection. They said they were "working on solutions" for these people but promised no one would be left without a phone service or pay more for effectively having internet forced upon them.

Traditional phone lines on copper wire landlines are set to end next year, though some households are already being moved over to the new service. BT says on its website: "If there’s a power cut or your broadband fails, you’ll be unable to make any calls using Digital Voice, including 999 calls.

"You’ll still be able to use a mobile phone, just make sure you keep it charged at all times. If you don’t have a mobile phone or are in an area with no mobile signal, please contact us on 0330 1234 150."

Helen Morgan, Lib Dem MP for rural North Shropshire, said she was concerned about the impact on her constituents: “Phasing out copper wire could leave people dangerously isolated in an emergency, if their power is down and they don’t have a reliable mobile signal. You can’t even drive across North Shropshire and make a phone call due to how poor the signal can be – so it’s crucial the industry gets a grip on this problem," she said.

“I have serious concerns over the digital landline switchover and the impact that losing copper wire landlines will have on some of my most vulnerable constituents. Nobody should be switched without a proper back-up plan in place.

“Therefore it’s really important that anyone concerned about the switchover contacts their landline provider to discuss their options as soon as possible.” BT told households without internet: "We’re currently working on different solutions to keep people who have no Broadband connected.

"We’ll be sure to let you know well in advance what your options are. Rest assured, you won’t be left without a home phone service and you won't pay more than you do today."

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