As you may already be aware, landlines are changing, and the UK’s telephone network is going digital. By January 2027, the old analogue network will be completely switched off and replaced by new digital landlines, which work using broadband. This change affects all providers and their customers.
For many people, this might feel like just another technical upgrade. However, for rural and vulnerable households in Ardross, this change raises serious concerns. Traditional landlines continue to work during power cuts, whereas digital lines may not. This makes the change particularly important for those who rely on a landline as a lifeline during emergencies.
Why this matters:
- Telecare devices – such as personal alarms, pendant alarms, lifeline devices, and home monitoring systems – may not work properly on digital lines unless they are updated.
- Power cuts – digital lines require electricity, so if broadband or power goes down, so does the phone line.
- Vulnerable households – those without mobile phones, or those who live in areas with poor mobile signal, may be most affected.
National Campaigns You Should Know About:
- National Telecare Campaign – encourages users of telecare devices to check whether their equipment is compatible with digital landlines. Some older models may need upgrading or replacing. Please contact your landline provider as soon as possible if you use these services. Telecare – Digital Phone Switchover
- BT Connected-Together Campaign – encourages families, friends, and neighbours to support vulnerable community members through the change, helping them understand what is happening and what they may need to do. Connected Together – All-IP – About BT | BT Plc
What we need from you
As your Community Council, we want to make sure that nobody in our community is left at risk by these changes. To do that, we need to understand:
- How many people still use or rely on a traditional landline.
- How many people use telecare devices that depend on a landline.
If you fall into either of these groups—or know someone who does—please either, complete the Google Form https://forms.gle/cckpafcCZLFvbujy8 or if you would prefer contact Alison Gordon on treasurer@ardross.org or 07770 325507
This information will help us assess the scale of the issue locally and work with the right organisations to make sure support is in place.
We will keep residents updated as more information becomes available. In the meantime, if you or someone you know may be affected, please act now to check your phone and telecare equipment.
Together, we can make sure that when the analogue switch-off happens, no one is left without a lifeline.