Landline switchover could cut people off in emergency, minister warned
Summary
UK MPs warned that replacing copper-wire landlines with internet-based phone services could leave people in remote areas unable to call for help during power cuts or storms. The government and phone operators say the switch is needed because the old network is becoming less reliable, and ministers say they will consider the concerns.Key Facts
- Operators aim to complete the UK landline switchover by the end of January next year.
- Traditional landlines can work during power cuts because they do not rely on mains electricity.
- Digital landline services may stop working if a home loses power and its router backup battery runs out.
- MPs from the Western Isles, the West Country and the Lake District raised concerns about weak mobile coverage and emergency access.
- BT Openreach has supplied backup battery packs to vulnerable customers; MPs questioned whether the backup is sufficient.
- Security minister Dan Jarvis said he would examine concerns and raise telecoms issues with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
- The government says providers must give vulnerable customers, including telecare users, a free backup battery unit.
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