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Engineers Begin Home Visits in UK’s Push to Switch Remaining Landlines to Digital

Vulnerable telecare users are urged to contact providers for safety checks that include free backup batteries

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Overview

  • Industry-funded campaign by BT and Virgin Media is targeting the final third of customers who have not yet migrated to digital.
  • Engineers are visiting homes to complete the switchover and test two million telecare alarms that rely on analogue lines.
  • Customers will receive free battery backup units to ensure landline connectivity during power outages post-transition.
  • Telecoms minister Sir Chris Bryant has imposed strict industry safeguards to prevent any telecare user from losing alarm functionality.
  • The move addresses a 45% rise in analogue network faults in 2024 and promises clearer, more reliable connections for users.