A significant change is on the horizon for phone users in the UK, as traditional copper landlines are being phased out and replaced by a new technology called Digital Voice. This upgrade, set to take effect in January 2027, leverages broadband for making calls, offering enhanced features like clearer conversations, call forwarding to smartphones, and improved call screening to combat scams and unwanted marketing messages.
To ensure a smooth transition to Digital Voice, BT is launching a campaign led by Clare Balding, urging homeowners to check their landlines and prepare for the shift to the digital era. Despite the impending deadline, research indicates that many Brits tend to delay essential actions, assuming that functioning systems do not require immediate attention.
Customers can expect to retain their phone numbers and experience no increase in costs during the transition. Most households will simply need to connect their existing phones to their broadband hubs instead of the traditional wall sockets, without requiring engineer visits. However, exceptions may arise, necessitating contacting the provider for assistance.
Lucy Baker, Consumer Digital Voice Director at BT, emphasizes the importance of promptly responding to communications from service providers to avoid disruptions in essential services. She underscores that the switch to digital landlines represents a significant infrastructure upgrade, offering improved reliability and security for all users.
Digital Voice, BT’s new home phone service, eliminates copper connections in favor of broadband technology, introducing modern features such as Multi Call and call diversion to mobile phones. The service promises enhanced call quality and compatibility with Digital Home phones, enhancing user experience without additional charges.
In light of these changes, customers with special needs, like telecare device users, are advised to notify their providers promptly for tailored support. The transition to Digital Voice marks a pivotal advancement in the UK’s communication landscape, ensuring connectivity and improved services for all users.