Stockport residents and businesses invited to prepare for ‘landline switch off’

In 2025, the UK’s existing public switched telephone network (PTSN) is to be switched off and landline telephone calls instead made over modern digital connections.

Between now and 2025 most telephone providers will be moving their customers from old analogue landlines over to new upgraded landline services and, for many Stockport, residents the change may be as simple as plugging your phone into your broadband router rather than the socket on the wall. The PTSN network has been in place since telephone connections were introduced in the 1800s, and is being replaced with a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system that transmits calls using a digital connection, similar to services such as Facetime or WhatsApp.

However, some services may be affected, including healthcare devices and alarm systems connected to a phone line. Stockport Council, on behalf of the UK government and telecoms providers, is encouraging everyone to know what to check and spread the word:

• If you or someone you know uses a telecare device connected to a phone line (such as a fall monitor, lifeline, or personal alarm), you should contact the provider of this service so that they can advise on how the switch could affect you
• If you have other devices connected to your phone line, such as alarm systems, you might need to upgrade your device to make sure it is compatible. If you are unsure about how a device in your home or business might be affected, contact the equipment supplier or manufacturer to find out whether it will remain functional on a digital phone line
• You should tell your telecom provider now if you have no other way of making emergency calls. Digital landlines cannot carry a power connection, so in the event of a power cut, they will not work. If you have a mobile phone, you can still use this, but if you’ve no other means of calling the emergency services, your telecoms provider will offer a solution to allow calls to be made to emergency services

During Get Online Week, 16th – 22nd October, Stockport’s DigiKnow partners are planning support sessions to help anyone affected by the change: check the events calendar for full details closer to the time.