BT issues warning to millions as landlines to be 'switched off'
BT has issued a warning to millions of households as traditional landline phones are set to be 'switched off'. The telecoms giant has revealed how the end of conventional landline phones will impact millions of homes.
Those who still use landlines are being advised to brace themselves for the most significant changes to phone lines in decades.
The shift involves the phasing out of traditional landlines, with households that still use them being transitioned to an internet-based service. Families have been reassured that they will barely notice any difference when the switch is made and should still be able to use their phone as usual, retaining the same number.
READ: Nathan Heaney bet365 Stadium fight 'looking like 2025' The Fenton fighter wants to bring the 'biggest sporting event our city may ever see' to the bet365 Stadium
READ: 'Evil' neighbour tormented couple for years - including posting wee through letterbox StokeonTrentLive spoke to some of Peter Johnson's neighbours whose lives he made a misery
However, BT has conceded that people won't be able to use it during a power outage or if the broadband goes down, including making 999 calls. This revelation has sparked worries about individuals living in areas with poor mobile phone reception.
BT has also sent a message to households that currently lack an internet connection, reports Birmingham Live. They stated they were "working on solutions" for these individuals but assured no one would be left without a phone service or forced to pay more for essentially having the internet imposed on them.
The switch from traditional copper wire landlines to digital phone lines is already underway with certain households making the transition. The telecom giant BT issued a statement on its official website, informing customers: "If there's a power cut or your broadband fails, you'll be unable to make any calls using Digital Voice, including 999 calls."
Continuing, they advise: "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."
The rural North Shropshire Lib Dem MP, Helen Morgan voiced her growing concern for her constituents, stating: "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.
Morgan further expressed significant apprehensions regarding the upcoming switchover, highlighting: "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."
She urged customers to promptly reach out to their landline providers to understand their options, adding: "Therefore it's really important that anyone concerned about the switchover contacts their landline provider to discuss their options as soon as possible."
In reassuring residents who lack internet access, BT shared: "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."