Digital upgrade of telephone landlines drop-in sessions

Friday, 16 February 2024 14:42

Most telephone providers are moving customers to upgraded services using digital technology between now and 2025 and people are able to find out more about the switchover from analogue phone landlines to digital at drop-in sessions in Wolverhampton.

BT EE is hosting drop-in events around the West Midlands for people to find out more about its Digital Voice home phone service.

There are two drop-in sessions held by BT EE to introduce their Digital Voice home phone service taking place in Wolverhampton:

Wednesday 28 February from 10am to 3pm at Bilston People’s Centre, Excel Church, Wolverhampton Street, Bilston
Wednesday March 27 from 10am to 2pm at Central Library, Snow Hill, Wolverhampton.

The sessions will provide people with the opportunity to raise concerns or questions directly with BT about the changes.

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Digital City said: "The landline is here to stay but it is being upgraded to replace the old analogue technology with a more reliable, future-proof digital service that will support residents for years to come.

“The Council is determined to ensure all residents are 100 per cent digitally included with access to devices and connectivity. These events in Wolverhampton will be a chance to find out what Digital Voice is, why the change is necessary and what it means for you. They are drop-in sessions so there is no need to book – just turn up.”

Many customers are already making the switch when they upgrade to full fibre broadband, and telecoms providers should contact customers before their switchover is due to take place.

However, if you or someone you know depends on their landline or uses a telecare device connected to a phone line such as a pendant, fall detector, or personal lifeline alarm, you should notify the provider of this service so that they can advise on how the switch could affect you.

If you are unsure about how a device in your home or business might be affected, it is recommended you contact the equipment supplier or device manufacturer to find out whether it will remain functional on a digital phone line. Digital landlines cannot carry a power connection, so in the event of a power cut they will not work.

Mobile phones can still be used but if you have no other means of calling the emergency services, your telecoms provider will offer a solution to allow calls to be made in an emergency.

For more information please visit www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-transition-from-analogue-to-digital-landlines

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