What Is The ‘Digital Switchover’?
You may remember the significant transition when analogue televisions were replaced by digital ones. Now, the UK is preparing for another major change: the nationwide replacement of analogue telephone lines with digital lines. The switchover is set to be completed by the end of 2025.
If this information surprises you, you're not alone; many people only learned about the transition when their landline providers contacted them.
Understanding PSTN
PSTN, or the Public Switched Telephone Network, is also known as ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network). Since its inception in 1876, we’ve relied on this primarily copper wire network. However, maintaining and repairing it has become increasingly costly, leading to the decision to transition to a digital solution that operates through your broadband router.
What Does ‘Digital Voice’ Mean?
Digital Voice is the term BT has adopted for its digital replacement of analogue landlines. Similar services branded as Sky Voice or TalkTalk Voice by other providers may also be referred to as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) or IP Voice, which all essentially refer to the same technology.
You’ve probably already used a digital voice system – Facetime, Skype, WhatsApp, Zoom, and Teams use this technology. The pandemic allowed us all to experience these other methods of communicating.
What Do You Need To Do?
Your landline provider will contact you when it is time to switch from your traditional analogue device to a digital service. BT has already migrated hundreds of thousands of users and is upgrading customers who have experienced issues with their existing service.
With the switchover, you can choose not to have a landline – which was not previously readily available.
The changeover should be relatively straightforward. Most phones, including cordless will just need to be plugged into your broadband router. Some phones may require an adaptor.
What Are The Benefits Of The Digital Switchover?
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Improved Call Clarity: Experience clearer voice calls.
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Fast and Easy Setup: Transitioning to digital is hassle-free.
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Increased Reliability: Digital lines are much easier to maintain compared to old exchanges and copper wiring.
What If I Don’t Currently Have a Broadband Connection?
Service providers will be able to offer a broadband lite solution for those customers who do not want a full broadband connection. BT and Virgin have committed to this, which will cost no more than existing landline connections.
How Will This Impact Personal Alarms?
Currently, approximately 1.7 million people are using telecare devices such as personal alarms. Some of those will already be digital devices and will not be affected by the switchover. However, for those with analogue devices, you will need to contact your provider to establish the process for upgrading your device from analogue to digital device or a device that uses a SIM card or the provision of an adaptor to enable you to continue using your device.
What Happens In a Power Cut?
Most digital devices will not work during a power cut; however, most service providers are offering vulnerable service users devices with a battery backup. You will need to speak with your existing provider to discuss your options.
How Can Mi-Guardian Help?
We offer a range of digital solutions that are available now. We can do this quickly and easily, identifying any changes to the monthly cost and adjusting your monthly direct debit for you. You will simply need to return your analogue equipment to us.
If you are an existing customer and are concerned about the switchover, we’d be happy to explain the changes to you.
