Back to Digital
Digital Switchover
Find out more on what the Digital Switchover is and what it means for landline and other device users
What is the Digital Switchover?
The UK’s telephone network is changing. Also sometimes referred to as the “Copper Switch Off”, most telephone providers will be moving their customers from old analogue landlines over to new upgraded landline services using digital technology.
The new network will provide a future-proof, more reliable and dependable broadband service that will support the UK for decades to come.
This means services that rely on the old landline system such as home phones and healthcare devices will be switched over.
Further information can be accessed via the links at the bottom of this page.
Why is this happening?
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is a privately-owned analogue telecoms network and the decision to upgrade it has been taken by the telecommunications industry.
Fixed-line operators – such as BT and Virgin Media O2 – will replace analogue telephone services with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, also known as ‘Digital Voice’, which carries voice calls as data using internet technology.
The upgrade will be delivered by the telecoms industry in a phased approach over the next few years, with the UK network expected to be fully upgraded to VoIP services by 2027.
The switchover will happen on a telephone exchange-by-exchange basis and not on a regional basis (as seen in relation to the switchover of analogue television).
How will it affect me/what do I need to do?
The good news is – your landline isn’t going anywhere and for most consumers and businesses, this change will be straightforward. In fact, many customers are already making the switch when they upgrade to full fibre broadband.
Your telecoms provider, such as BT or Virgin MediaO2, should contact you before the switchover to check in and discuss what you need to do to make sure your service isn’t affected.
However, the Local Government Association (LGA) is encouraging everyone to know what to expect. If you have an internet connection, the change may be as simple as plugging your phone into your broadband router rather than the socket on the wall.
If you or someone you know depends on their landline or uses a telecare device connected to a phone line (such as a fall monitor, lifeline, or personal alarm), you should notify the provider of this service (i.e. landline/telecare provider etc.) so that they can advise on how the switch could affect you.
If you have other devices connected to your phone line, such as alarm systems, you might need to upgrade your device to make sure it is compatible. 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.
In an emergency
Digital landlines cannot carry a power connection, so in the event of a power cut they will not work.
If you have a mobile phone this can still be used, but if you’ve no other means of calling the emergency services your telecoms provider will offer a solution to allow calls to be made to emergency services.
Is there anything I should watch out for?
As the switchover is affecting millions of homes, this can create an opportunity for criminals to develop new scams. These scam attempts could happen over the phone, via email, or in person on your doorstep.
Remember the following scam advice when someone’s contacting you about the switchover:
STOP – take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or your personal information.
CHALLENGE – could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. You should never feel rushed or pressured into making a decision.
PROTECT – contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been a victim of a scam and report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040.
Other unscrupulous people may also try to sell you equipment or get you to sign up to expensive contracts that you don’t need. In these cases, it’s important that you don’t rush into making any decisions. You can always seek a second opinion and speak to your phone company – they should be able to advise you about what you need.
[Information taken from Age UK website]
Find out more from your provider
Further information
FAQs
People who use personal alarms or health monitoring devices should check if the switchover will affect how they work.
If you or someone you know depends on their landline or uses a telecare device connected to a phone line (such as a fall monitor, lifeline, or personal alarm), you should notify the provider of this service (i.e. landline/telecare provider etc.) so that they can advise on how the switch could affect you.
If you have devices connected to your phone line, such as alarm systems, you might need to upgrade your device to make sure it is compatible.
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 still work on a digital phone line.
Digital landlines cannot carry a power connection, so in the event of a power cut they will not work.
If you have a mobile phone this can still be used (as long as it is charged), but if you’ve no other means of calling the emergency services your telecoms provider will offer a solution to allow calls to be made to emergency services. Ask them.
If you’re worried about your devices, please contact the supplier, provider or company who provide them. They will be able to give you more information.
