A similar number have no idea what they need to do
Nearly half of UK landline users are in the dark over the phone switch-off deadline. The UK’s traditional phone network is being switched off as services move to digital technology, meaning households with landline phones need to make the transition to internet-based calls.
A poll of adults who have a landline telephone in their home has found 53 per cent use it on a weekly basis, but 45 per cent don’t understand what they need to do ahead of the switch-off to ensure their phone keeps working as it should. Landlines are vital for many, with one in three relying on theirs to keep in touch with friends and family, while 29 per cent use it to speak with healthcare providers.
Analogue landlines will be switched off by January 2027.
Nearly six in 10 said their landline remains an important part of their household, with 17 per cent saying it’s cheaper for overseas family or friends to call versus a mobile phone. The research was commissioned by Community Fibre, which offers broadband and calls packages that allow customers across London and the southeast to switch easily to a full fibre home phone service.
TV chef Rustie Lee, who uses her landline regularly, has partnered with the broadband provider to raise awareness of the change. She said: “The landline switch-off is one of the biggest changes to our home phones in years, so if you haven’t switched yet, there are a few things you need to do.
“My top tip is this: don’t just accept the first deal you’re offered by your current provider. Take a moment to shop around, especially look at the newer fibre broadband providers as they will often save you a lot of money. The extra good news is that switching to a new fibre provider is also simple and risk free.
“You can keep your telephone number, and your new provider can handle the switch on your behalf with your current provider so you won’t have any break in service.”
48 per cent of landline users are not confident they know what they need to do to manage the transition. Nearly half haven’t seen enough information about the change, while 33 per cent are confused about what action is actually required.
A fifth are unsure who is responsible for arranging the switch and as a result, 43 per cent are concerned the transition could lead to a loss, breakage or interruption of their service.
Before taking the survey, carried out via OnePoll, 48 per cent were unaware that the landline service, known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) could affect devices in the home other than telephones. These include alarms designed to help elderly or vulnerable people live independently by connecting them to a 24/7 emergency response centre, as well as some home security systems.
Rustie added: “If you use a telecare alarm or other devices that use a phone line, check with the providers of those services if they’ll be affected too, rather than your phone company.”
In fact, 53 per cent are worried about elderly people in their lives being left isolated if they lost access to their landline and other services. Another 54 per cent expressed concerns that older generations may need additional support to navigate the switchover process.
Peter Rampling, a broadband expert at Community Fibre, said: “The switch from analogue to digital phone services is a nationwide change that is affecting millions of households. But unfortunately, many of those needing to switch may not be offered the best available full fibre service by their existing provider, so it’s important to explore what else is out there before committing.
“Whether you’re sorting your own line or helping someone else to do it, shopping around and switching provider makes absolute sense with the cost-of-living crisis and can save money and effort in both the short and the long run.”
For information on the switch-off you can read consumer guides and updates on the Ofcom Future of Landline Calls page, and you shopuld contact your telephone provider.
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