Future Retirement Success
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Investing
  • Stocks
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Investing
  • Stocks

Future Retirement Success

Business

BT Scraps Digital Landline Switch Deadline Amid Vulnerability Concerns

by May 21, 2024
May 21, 2024
BT Scraps Digital Landline Switch Deadline Amid Vulnerability Concerns

BT has significantly postponed its plans to switch customers from traditional copper-based landlines to internet-based services, following concerns about the impact on vulnerable individuals. Initially set for completion by the end of 2025, the switch is now delayed until the end of January 2027.

The decision comes after several incidents where telecare devices, crucial for nearly two million UK residents using personal alarms, stopped working during the transition. The initial pause occurred at the end of last year due to these critical issues.

Silver Voices, a campaign group for elderly people, expressed dissatisfaction with the revised timeline, calling it “a token concession.” Dennis Reed, head of Silver Voices, stated, “The delay is for just over a year, which we don’t think is long enough to ensure sufficient safeguards for vulnerable customers. BT and other telecoms firms haven’t even defined what constitutes a vulnerable customer. We feel the deadline of January 2027 is very premature.”

The controversy stems from the potential risk of outages in internet-based services, which could render landline phones inoperable, particularly in rural areas prone to frequent service interruptions. This poses a significant risk for customers reliant on personal alarms.

BT has introduced a series of improvements aimed at protecting vulnerable customers and those with additional needs. Howard Watson, BT’s head of security and networks, emphasized the urgency of the switch due to the fragility of the 40-year-old analogue landline technology. “Managing customer migrations from analogue to digital as quickly and smoothly as possible, while making the necessary provisions for those customers with additional needs, is critically important,” Watson said.

To mitigate risks, BT plans to offer free battery backup units and hybrid phones capable of using both broadband and mobile networks. However, some campaign groups argue that these solutions are still confusing. Elizabeth Anderson, head of Digital Poverty Alliance, pointed out the need for better communication about the changes. “For many older people or those who need a simple landline running even through power cuts, there is still much to be done to communicate what the changes mean for them,” Anderson said. She also raised concerns about who would bear the cost of new phones, battery packs, and the necessary support for users to adapt to new systems.

BT’s digital voice changeover plan requires all households to have an internet connection. It remains to be seen whether other telecom firms will follow BT’s revised schedule or adopt similar measures. The company’s commitment to protecting vulnerable customers will be crucial in managing this significant technological transition.

Read more:
BT Scraps Digital Landline Switch Deadline Amid Vulnerability Concerns

0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
previous post
ChatGPT Suspends Scarlett Johansson-Like Voice Amid Actor’s Outcry
next post
How to encourage staff to return to the office

You may also like

Q&A with Dr. Jaime Klimsey Pickett DVM: A...

July 25, 2024

5 Factors To Consider When Choosing An Online...

November 29, 2022

The Most Common Mistakes Teams Make When Pitching...

December 10, 2024

5 Steps to leveraging make-or-buy benefits

January 29, 2023

Accenture cuts 19,000 jobs on slowdown fears

March 24, 2023

How are payday loans calculated?

October 21, 2022

Remote working paradox: just 7% of CEOs work...

July 15, 2024

Business Rates Cut Could ‘Revitalise’ Town Centres

June 12, 2024

Calls for Government tax breaks for micro businesses

August 2, 2023

How to implement an inbound marketing plan

December 15, 2023

    Get free access to all of the retirement secrets and income strategies from our experts! or Join The Exclusive Subscription Today And Get the Premium Articles Acess for Free

    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Recent Posts

    • Trump ally stands firm against ‘big, beautiful bill’ despite pressure: ‘It’ll completely backfire’

      June 8, 2025
    • Rubio condemns assassination attempt on Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe

      June 8, 2025
    • Obama WH physician says Biden doc should have performed cognitive test

      June 8, 2025
    • Trump warns of ‘serious consequences’ if Elon Musk funds Democrats

      June 7, 2025
    • Musk jokes about reconsidering stance on Big Beautiful Bill after Schiff’s praise

      June 7, 2025
    • Musk deletes explosive posts about Trump and Epstein files

      June 7, 2025

    Categories

    • Business (8,152)
    • Investing (2,019)
    • Politics (15,571)
    • Stocks (3,136)
    • About us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Disclaimer: futureretirementsuccess.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2025 futureretirementsuccess.com | All Rights Reserved