Telecare and the Digital Landline Switch Over

The UK’s traditional telephone network is being upgraded, and landline calls are moving to a newer digital system. Your landline isn’t disappearing and you will still be able to make and receive calls using a home phone.

However, other equipment can also use the telephone line, including:

• personal alarms

• pendant alarms

• falls detectors

• telecare equipment

• some security systems

If you or someone you support uses this type of equipment, it is important to check whether it will work with the new digital service.

Your telephone provider will contact you about the change to your service. Make sure they know about any additional needs you have and any equipment that uses your telephone line. You should also contact the organisation that provides your telecare or other connected equipment if you are unsure whether it needs to be checked, upgraded or replaced.

If you support a relative, friend, neighbour or someone you care for, please talk to them about the change and help them check what they need to do.

What do I need to do?

Before your landline changes:

• Tell your telephone provider if you use a telecare device, personal alarm, pendant, falls detector or other equipment connected to your telephone line.

• Tell them about any additional needs you have, including if you rely on your landline or cannot use a mobile phone.

• Tell your provider if you have poor mobile signal where you live or are concerned about power cuts.

• Check what is connected to your telephone line, not just your telephone.

• Contact your telecare, alarm or device provider and ask whether your equipment is compatible with a digital landline.

• If you are buying new equipment that connects to a telephone line, check with the seller or manufacturer that it will work with a digital service.

• If you need additional help with the change, speak to your telephone provider or the organisation that provides your care or equipment.