This move from BT reflects the introduction of a series of improvements to the programme to better protect vulnerable customers and those with additional needs, including telecare users.
It has said BT customers, with the exception of those who are landline-only, use telecare or have additional needs, would be contacted and offered the chance to switch to a digital landline provided over full fibre broadband, where available.
What is Digital Voice?
Digital Voice is BT’s new home phone service which makes calls over the broadband network rather than the analogue network.
“I’m pleased that BT is listening to its customers and ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place before the transition to Digital Voice is completed.”
NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos
So instead of plugging a home phone into a wall-mounted phone socket, customers will connect their house phone to their broadband router, and phone calls will be made over a mobile signal.
According to BT, this new project will replace old analogue technology that is fast becoming obsolete with a new digital service that will provide crystal-clear calls, prevent the vast majority of scam calls and ultimately will be more efficient on electricity usage, making it better for the environment.
Farmers’ concerns
The NFU has raised concerns with BT about the decision to switch from copper landlines to Digital Voice as the programme is reliant on mobile signal if power goes out, which is patchy and unreliable in rural areas.
NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos said the delay is “positive for the NFU and our members”.
Citing the NFU's 2022 digital access survey which showed that only 21% of members have reliable outdoor mobile signal across whole farms, Rachel said this would not be serviceable in the event of a power cut, leaving many farmers without the means to call for help in an emergency.
She added: “I’m pleased that BT is listening to its customers and ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place before the transition to Digital Voice is completed.
“However, this switch is inevitable, and we continue to ask government to prioritise the rollout of 4G across the country so that those living in rural communities can use mobile phones confidently in emergencies.”
Find out more at: GOV.UK | UK transition from analogue to digital landlines.
