BT makes 999 call admission as traditional landline phones to be 'switched off'

Richard Guttridge
·2-min read

BT has made an admission about emergency 999 calls amid the biggest change to traditional landline phone services in decades. Landlines as we know them are being switched over to a digital-based service in a major change for millions of people.

Landlines will be "switched off" next year in their current form, although some customers are already being moved over to the new digital service by their providers. People who don't currently have the internet will have to have it fitted to continue using their landline.

Providers are expected to do this at no extra cost in most cases. Households have been told they should hardly notice any difference on the digital service, should still be able to use their phone as they always have and keep the same number.

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However, BT has conceded 999 calls could be impacted in certain situations. This includes if broadband goes down or if there is a power cut.

It has prompted a message to people to ensure they always have a charged mobile phone to hand in case of an emergency and their landline is not working. There are some concerns about residents who live in areas with poor mobile signal.

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." BT also said it said they was "working on solutions" for households without internet connection but said no one would be left without a phone service or have to pay more.

It's been reported as many as 60% of Brits are unaware the changes are happening.

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