The BT switch Over

Mikecd
Mikecd Online Community Member Posts: 19 Connected
edited July 2024 in Housing and independent living

Hi everyone this is just some information I have been told about today, I thought you may like a heads up as to whats come soon for BT customers. 

BT is migrating from analogue telephone systems to digital, basically if you have a phone that uses a BT line with a sock on the wall, this will be replace with plugging the phone into the back of your modem.

If you don’t have broadband in your home but use a phone which is connected to a BT phone line, a different setup will be used.

This switchover has already begun in some areas that have been part of a trial. The analogue system will be tuned off permanently by December 2025.

BT are in the process of planning a number of road shows with the help of volunteers from digital charities such as AbilityNet itcanhelp free service, this service provides support for older adults and those with disabilities with advice and training for their digital devices, PCs, TVs, tablets such as ipads and so on.

BT will be contacting their customers in time; I believe you can contact them directly regarding the switch over also. 

Comments

  • Sandy_123
    Sandy_123 Scope Member Posts: 61,770 Championing
    Hi @Mikecd thanks for the information, I'm not with bt but some if the members might be and  find it useful
  • Mikecd
    Mikecd Online Community Member Posts: 19 Connected
    Sandy_123 said:
    Hi @Mikecd thanks for the information, I'm not with bt but some if the members might be and  find it useful
    Hi Sandy, yourwelcome. When I have more information I will share it
  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    Thank you for letting us know this @Mikecd :) 

    Here is a link to the BT homepage with the information Mikecd has provided as well as their contact information is anyone wants to call them directly. 
  • Mikecd
    Mikecd Online Community Member Posts: 19 Connected
    Hannah_Scope said:
    Thank you for letting us know this @Mikecd :) 

    Here is a link to the BT homepage with the information Mikecd has provided as well as their contact information is anyone wants to call them directly. 

    Hi @Hannah_scope I have another link from Age_UK with more information, in particular these questions were raised in the meeting with BT reps and answers given; please see below snipit from linked page.

    "BT has now started to contact a limited number of customers, having paused its changeover programme, and will begin to roll out the programme on a region-by-region basis from summer 2023. However, they aren't currently switching certain groups, including: 
    • people aged 70 and over
    • people with additional needs
    • people who only have a landline (and not broadband)
    • people with telecare alarms
    • people with no mobile signal at home."

    They are looking at December 2025 as a completions date for the switch over. 
  • Steve_in_The_City
    Steve_in_The_City Scope Member Posts: 762 Trailblazing
    I think this is good technology, especially since provisions have been made for people without broadband. Just over a year ago the council moved me into what they call a "digital flat". At my old flat I had a modem/router and broadband coming in through my landline. But I had never heard of making phone calls over the internet, so when I moved to my new flat I was bit perturbed. But I needn't have worried. I have 4 cordless phones scattered in my flat (all they need is an electric point) and I can have a 5th. I can be on a phone making a call, while someone else can be calling someone on another phone. This useful for me. The sound quality is crystal clear. There is no line rental. I have an all inclusive package: Unlimited phone calls to landlines and mobiles. I get free use of B.T's wi-fi hotspots. This is useful for me because I sometimes go to green spaces where there is no wi-fi. I no longer have to pay a yearly subscription to Norton Internet Security as Norton is provided by B.T. in my package. I also get a BT email address.

    The technology is very easy to use. Connecting my laptop, tablet, mobile and smart tv was simple. Plus other devices. I have a Telecare alarm. Obviously a Telecare technician connected the alarm, but I did everything else myself. Also, my account (Digital Voice, I think) is very easy to manage online. 

    The reason for my post is that I know an elderly couple who are really perturbed by any changes to their telephone system, but are worrying needlessly. If you are feeling concerned, don't be. I would say embrace it. As far as I am concerned it really is a good move forward.
  • Mikecd
    Mikecd Online Community Member Posts: 19 Connected
    Steve_in_The_City said:
    I have 4 cordless phones scattered in my flat (all they need is an electric point) and I can have a 5th. I can be on a phone making a call, while someone else can be calling someone on another phone. 
    That's brilliant, and if you know others who are a bit anxious about it all, just let them know that BT in association with AbilityNet and other digital charities will be running roadshows over the next 2 years. Everyone with a landline will be welcome to come along and get all their questions answered.

    They have said that backup battery packs will also be provided to older people in the event that the power goes down. Also, phones and other equipment if it needs to be replaced, if there is an issue they will work around it so everyone is happy.  

    There is a big push to improve digital services for everyone, and several digital charities are offering support to help improve inclusion, especially among the older generation and people with disabilities.

     

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