Helping as landlines go digital

Please help us spread the word to any people in your communities who aren’t yet aware that our landline phones are going to be replaced with digital versions which run via your broadband router.

Thank you to Claire from the council’s digital infrastructure team and Carrie from Age UK who shared the latest at January’s Digital Inclusion Network meeting (you can find out more about our network here).

Top Tips

Here are some useful comments from our meeting:

• As well as phones, alarms or telecare devices will need upgrading to work on the new system. There are battery backup options to make sure your broadband router and emergency kit stays on during power outages.
• The change will be managed by your existing phone provider; they should have written already or give them a call if you’re not sure.
• Your digital system should cost the same or less than your old analogue one per month, and replacement equipment is being offered for free at this stage.
• Be aware that we’re hearing some sales teams are “up-selling” more expensive packages you may not need, and of course, the usual vigilance for scams is important.
• The current system is being left on for those in the most challenging areas (eg with poor mobile reception and no fibre) until 2027.
• However, it’s worth getting on with the change. We are hearing reports of people in the county surprised to find their landlines deactivated now.

Help your friends and family

If you want to talk this through with people who aren’t online, Age UK shared some handy overview leaflets that you can print out:

• Tech UK’s overview of the transition
• BT’s summary of their digital voice equipment
• Slide deck you can use for briefings

And there’s plenty more online of course – the council’s digital infrastructure team have a good guidance page with links to the providers.

If you have any questions or need help finding support locally, the council’s team are happy to help on broadband@oxfordshire.gov.uk or do feel free to get in touch at hello@gettingoxfordshireonline.org.