BT has announced it will postpone previous plans to switch customers from copper fixed lines to internet services.
The Group’s decision to reverse the transition – or at least postpone it for the time being – comes in response to concerns from vulnerable groups and incidents involving telehealth equipment, which is considered vital for an estimated two million people in Britain , could stop functioning.
Originally scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, BT is now aiming for a national switchover by January 2027 – an extension of around a year.
BT’s decision to cut copper has been postponed
BT’s revised plan includes a range of measures to protect vulnerable users. These include the provision of free battery backup units and the introduction of hybrid phones that can operate on both broadband and mobile networks.
However, the move to digital services comes with risks during outages, which tend to be more common in rural areas. These outages could potentially disconnect those who rely on personal alarms and other healthcare systems.
In an interview with the BBCDennis Reed, head of Silver Voices, commented: “The delay is just over a year, which we believe is not long enough to provide adequate protection for vulnerable customers.”
Howard Watson, BT’s Head of Security and Networks, stressed the urgency of the transition due to the vulnerability of the 40-year-old analogue system: “Our priority remains doing this safely and the work we do with our colleagues, local authorities, telehealth providers and key government organizations is critical.”
Earlier this year, BT Consumer and around 30 other telecoms and telecare sector organisations, industry bodies, local authorities and regulatory stakeholders formed the Telecare Action Board (TAB). The TAB aims to identify and protect telehealth users and those with additional needs before analogue lines are switched to digital.
Looking ahead, Watson called for greater collaboration between providers and authorities to help support vulnerable customers during the transition.