{"id":68801,"date":"2023-09-05T14:06:23","date_gmt":"2023-09-05T14:06:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/geels.net\/?p=68801"},"modified":"2023-09-05T14:06:23","modified_gmt":"2023-09-05T14:06:23","slug":"bt-is-making-a-major-change-for-thousands-of-customers-from-today-check-if-youre-affected-the-sun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/geels.net\/beauty\/bt-is-making-a-major-change-for-thousands-of-customers-from-today-check-if-youre-affected-the-sun\/","title":{"rendered":"BT is making a major change for thousands of customers from TODAY \u2013 check if you\u2019re affected | The Sun"},"content":{"rendered":"
BT is making a major change which will affect thousands of customers.<\/p>\n
The telecoms giant is pushing ahead with its plan to scrap traditional landline phone lines from today for new users.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
It will see the\u00a0traditional home phones replaced with new digital phones, requiring all homes to have an\u00a0internet connection.<\/p>\n
Everything that is connected to phone lines will need to be reviewed such as door entry systems and alarms.<\/p>\n
BT launched its\u00a0Digital Voice programme back in 2019, with the plan being deemed controversial.<\/p>\n
From today new customers will no longer be offered landline phones and existing customers switching onto a new contract will also be transferred to the new service.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
Openreach, the wholesale provider, has already stopped selling the old landlines in more than 500 areas \u2013 covering 4.6million homes.<\/p>\n
This includes communications providers on its network, such as BT, Sky, TalkTalk, and Vodafone.<\/p>\n
Just under 10million lines still need to move to the new system before BT switches off the old analogue system in December 2025.<\/p>\n
The switch would mean that households will need to get either a broadband connection to be able to make digital calls with their landline or a\u00a0new mobile phone.<\/p>\n
<\/picture>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/picture>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/picture>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/picture>\n <\/span><\/p>\n There were concerns from charities when the plans were first announced that elderly or vulnerable Brits could be left\u00a0isolated by the move.<\/p>\n An investigation also found that the move would leave thousands of vulnerable customers at risk of not being able to phone the emergency services during power outages.<\/p>\n Regulator Ofcom said at the time that millions of households didn't have access to the internet.<\/p>\n Following this BT temporarily halted the planned roll out, plans then resumed in June after the company said it had addressed the concerns.<\/p>\n BT said it will ensure that vulnerable and elderly households are kept connected by providing free handsets that switch between using broadband and mobile network signal during power cuts.<\/p>\n An Openreach spokesperson said: \u201cSince the retirement of BT\u2019s analogue network was first publicised, we\u2019ve been working closely with Communications Providers to migrate their customers onto digital technologies\u00a0ahead of the 2025 deadline.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve conducted extensive trials since 2020 to identify and iron out issues, and we\u2019ve already stopped selling analogue products in more than 500 exchange areas \u2013 covering some 4.6m premises. <\/p>\n "This stop-sell process will extend nationwide in early September for any customers who don\u2019t have an agreed exemption.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re proud of our multi billion pound investment to bring faster, more reliable Full Fibre broadband to 25million homes and businesses across the country, and we\u2019re determined to deliver a world-class, modern and reliable communications network for the entire UK.\u201d<\/p>\n BT previously told The Sun that for now it won't be proactively switching customers who fall under a number of categories.<\/p>\n This included households with:<\/p>\n According to BT, these customers will be delayed from switching as work continues with stakeholder groups to build confidence in the new solutions it has.<\/p>\n Certain devices people use at home, such as care alarms,\u00a0security alarms\u00a0and fax machines may also be connected you your landline and could be affected by the switch.<\/p>\n If you have a device like this, it might need to be replaced or reconfigured to continue working once you move to a digital landline service.<\/p>\n According to regulator rules, your provider should tell you what you need to do if you have one of these devices.<\/p>\n This will include informing your alarm provider so they can make the necessary changes or tell you if your alarm will work with your new service.<\/p>\n Those who only rely on a landline phone service and don't have access to a mobile phone must be offered a solution from their telecom provider to stay connected during power cuts.<\/p>\n This could include a mobile phone (if you have a signal), or a battery backup unit for your landline phone.<\/p>\n Ofcom says that these solutions must be provided free of charge to people who are dependent on their landline only.<\/p>\n But if you aren't eligible for free support, your provider must signpost you to a retailer that stocks what you'll need.<\/p>\n BT has taken the decision to\u00a0retire its dated landline system by December 2025.<\/p>\n But this means other providers that use BT's network must follow the same timescale.<\/p>\n Other companies with their own networks such as Virgin Media plan to follow a similar programme which will have its own timescale.<\/p>\n To find out when you'll need to take action, contact your own landline provider directly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meanwhile, another major broadband provider has launched a cheaper tariff to support people on Universal Credit.<\/p>\n Plus, here's how to beat rip-off broadband and mobile bills and save \u00a3900 a year with little-known tricks.<\/p>\n Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing\u00a0money-sm@news.co.uk<\/strong>.<\/p>\n You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group\u00a0members.<\/strong><\/p>\nB&M buys 51 Wilko stores amid job cuts – but thousands of roles may be saved<\/h3>\n<\/section>\n
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