Subj : Good news phone fans - BT has scrapped plans to ditch analogue la
To   : All
From : TechnologyDaily
Date : Tue May 21 2024 10:15:05

Good news phone fans - BT has scrapped plans to ditch analogue landlines, for 
now

Date:
Tue, 21 May 2024 09:02:24 +0000

Description:
BTs plan to ditch copper landlines for internet-based lines has been delayed 
in order to protect vulnerable users.

FULL STORY
======================================================================

BT has announced that it will delay previous plans to transition customers 
from copper-based landlines to internet-based services. 

The Groups decision to reverse the transition or at least delay it for now 
comes as a response to concerns from vulnerable groups and incidents where 
telecare devices, believed to be crucial for an estimated two million UK 
residents, could stop functioning. 

Originally slated for completion by the end of 2025, BT now aims for a 
national switchover by January 2027 an extension of around one year. BTs 
decision to scrap copper has been delayed 

BTs revised plan includes a range of measures designed to safeguard 
vulnerable users. These include the provision of free battery backup units 
and the introduction of hybrid phones that can operate on both broadband and 
mobile networks. 

However, the switch to digital services poses risks during outages, which are 
generally more common in rural areas. These outages could potentially 
disconnect those dependent on personal alarms and other health systems. 

In an interview with the BBC , Silver Voices head Dennis Reed commented: The 
delay is for just over a year, which we dont think is long enough to ensure 
sufficient safeguards for vulnerable customers. 

Howard Watson, BTs Chief Security and Networks Office, stressed the urgency 
of the transition due to the fragility of the 40-year-old analogue system: 
Our priority remains doing this safely and the work were doing with our 
peers, local authorities, telecare providers and key Government organisations 
is key. 

Earlier this year, BT Consumer and around 30 other organizations from the 
telecoms and telecare sectors, industry bodies, local authorities, and 
regulatory stakeholders formed the Telecare Action Board (TAB). The TAB aims 
to identify and protect telecare users and those with additional needs before 
analogue lines are switched to digital. 

Looking ahead, Watson called for greater collaboration between providers and 
authorities to help support vulnerable customers during the transition. More 
from TechRadar Pro Weve rounded up a list of the best business smartphones 
Check out the best Wi-Fi routers to get the best out of your fibre connection 
BT puts the brakes on digital landline switchover - here's what that means 
for you



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Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/pro/good-news-phone-fans-bt-has-scrapped-plans-to-di
tch-analogue-landlines-for-now


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