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Digital Voice

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Digital Voice is the replacement for analogue telephone landlines. It is being rolled out nationwide.

  • Timescales for implementation have been pushed back. It was January 2025 for England but this is now January 2027. Each supplier is working to their own programme to meet that date.
  • Residents are migrated based on individual criteria such as: having the right equipment, e.g. the right router, usage of landline, mobile phone coverage in their location, vulnerability.
  • While no specific timescales are available, it is likely that the transition will not happen in the Deverills until 2025 and probably not until 2026.
  • If, before the migration, you decide to switch broadband provider you will only be offered a digital landline.
  • For those deemed to be or self-identify as vulnerable, providers will supply a stand-alone backup battery, otherwise known as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), for use in a power cut. This will be free of charge. The Office of Communications (OFCOM) requirement is that it lasts for one hour. Actual criteria will become clear closer to the implementation date. If you consider yourself to be vulnerable, please contact your supplier, e.g. EE/BT.
  • The needs of telecare users are understood and BT/EE have signed a data sharing agreement with Wiltshire Council, so they will have been identified and their needs will be met. There are various solutions available and this area is evolving as third parties develop and test equipment.
  • For existing phone extensions wired through the house, BT/EE will provide one free adaptor which has a phone socket on the top, into which the old phone should be plugged. Of course, this will still rely on the internet. Additional adaptors will be available at £20.
  • Anyone over 75 can ask for a free advisory site visit.

Further information on the date on implementation will be forthcoming. See:

Government website: gov.uk/guidance/uk-transition-from-analogue-to-digital-landlines

EE/BT customers: bt.com/help/landline/digital-voice-migration

EE/BT Business customers: business.bt.com/insights/uk-pstn-switch-off

Virgin Media customers: virginmedia.com/help/digital-voice-switchover