Latest news with #ChrisBryant
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Fears for Britain's elderly over digital landline switchover...as minster admits he can never get hold of his father on the phone
A government minister has warned he cannot guarantee that all elderly and vulnerable people will be safely switched over to digital landlines - as he revealed he can never get hold of his own father on the phone. Minister for the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology Sir Chris Bryant exclusively told MailOnline he'd be 'fibbing' if he promised every household will be transferred to internet-based landlines safely, with telecare devices still working. His comments coincide with a new government campaign aimed at raising awareness about the switchover, to encourage vulnerable and elderly people to get in touch with their landline provider for assistance. Telecoms firms including BT, Sky and Virgin are currently switching every household in Britain to new internet-based landlines, as ageing copper wires are increasingly unreliable and at risk of failure. The transition is expected to be completed by early 2027. The tech giants are moving to the final phase of turning off the UK's old copper wire system, and forced migrations to a new digital service have resumed. After previously telling MailOnline the fear of people being left with telecare devices - alarms that call for help in the case of an emergency - kept him up at night, Sir Chris says he is now more confident the correct support systems are in place to transition people safely. Asked if he could guarantee everyone would always be able to call emergency services after being switched over to the new phone line, he said: 'I can't guess what terrible set of circumstances there might be in one particular street. 'Sometimes if you're in an area where mobile connectivity is very poor, and obviously some older people won't have a mobile phone. I can never persuade my father to have a mobile phone which is really irritating, it makes him very difficult to get hold of. 'I can't say 100 percent, I'd be fibbing, but what we've tried to do is put in as many different measures to make sure that as many different people in as many sets of circumstances are protected. 'It might be that the cable's down, or all sorts of different things that might arise, and you want to mitigate against all of those, but it's impossible to get to 100 percent.' He added that his department had written to every local authority to request details of vulnerable people in their area to be passed onto telecoms firms - and that 95 percent have provided this information. This leaves five percent of councils which have not. In 2023, telecoms firms were forced to halt non-voluntary upgrades following several incidents of personal alarms failing in emergencies. Some 1.8 million people in the UK rely on life-saving telecare devices to sound the alarm in the case of a medical emergency or fall. The devices function by being linked to a wearer's landline or mobile phone. There have been concerns for years over the transition to digital as, while traditional landline phones continue working in the case of a blackout or internet outage, internet-based phonelines do not. Ofcom, the industry regulator, ruled that telecoms firms must provide a back-up to the landline lasting at least one hour to all vulnerable people in case they need assistance during an outage. But Sir Chris said this is not enough, and the majority of firms have agreed to provide between four and seven hours. But amid data published last year that revealed millions of people still have no idea about the ongoing transition, he added that he doesn't think elderly people 'actually need to understand' what is being done to their landline, as long as it happens. The minister said: 'Two thirds of people have already been done. And probably they don't even know that that's what's happened. 'I don't care about that, what I care about is whether the telecare device around somebody's auntie's neck still works when they go from one system to another. 'That's what I care about and that's what we're making sure happens. And it may be that some elderly people don't actually need to understand what's happening to the cable outside their home as long as the system works.' He told MailOnline the firms 'needed help' with the transition: 'On almost day one of me arriving in post I said [the switchover] is one of the things I want to focus on, and within weeks we had a meeting of all the operators and they were really responsive. 'I think they all wanted to move together, they wanted a sense of where government wanted them to go, they needed some help actually. 'They wouldn't know who the vulnerable people are with telecare devices, the only people who know that are the social care departments of local authorities. 'I could help get that information so we could work together and I think it felt like a very productive round table that we had.' But the minister also warned that severe weather events and local disasters could still pose a major risk to vulnerable people who rely on landlines. 'A few years ago in one of the big storms, we had big flooding in one of my areas in the Rhondda. 'Now in that situation you're not going to have any kind of electricity, nothing's going to work, it's probably going to be out for several days and there's nothing you can do about that.' He told how, before the last election, a lorry drove straight into a telephone cabinet in his constituency, knocking out services for a week. 'I was very angry just as a constituency MP, this was before the last election, I didn't feel that the operators were actually sorting that out, responding quickly enough. But that was a massive accident, the lorry had gone straight into the cabinet, and the entire village was out. 'And I know there was an incidence there where somebody was not able to make a phone call to get an ambulance.' A checklist - which telecoms giants are understood to have signed up to during Sir Chris' first meeting with firms last summer - means all 'vulnerable' customers will be able to have an engineer visit their household to support them through the transition. The engineer will then test any telecare devices before leaving to ensure they are still working. If any issue occurs, there is the option to return the household to their old landline until this can be fixed, if no alternative is available. And vulnerable households will be given back-up devices to protect them in the case of a power cut or internet outage - with firms pledging to ensure this exceeds Ofcom's minimum recommendation that such devices provide one hour of battery power. Firms have been instructed to ensure that no telecare user will be migrated to digital landline services without the communication provider, the customer, or the telecare service provider confirming that the user has a compatible and functioning telecare solution in place.
Business News Wales
6 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Wales' Beauty Spots to Get Better Mobile Coverage with Mast Upgrades
Tourists and hikers exploring Wales' most renowned beauty spots and national parks will benefit from a huge boost in mobile coverage, helping them plan routes and receive live weather updates for safer outdoors adventures. Nearly 30 mobile masts, initially only used to connect EE customers and those calling 999, have now been upgraded to provide coverage from all mobile network operators. The upgrade of existing masts will limit the visual and natural impact on the environment, causing less disruption to the surrounding areas. The upgrades will benefit thousands of local residents and many more visiting the surrounding areas, bringing fast and reliable 4G networks to remote communities previously plagued by poor signal. This will support local tourism and economic growth, the core mission of the Government's Plan for Change. The rollout is part of the Shared Rural Network programme led by the UK government and mobile network operators to improve mobile connectivity in rural communities across Britain. The new coverage will boost safety for holiday makers as well as economic opportunities for local communities in isolated areas in Wales, including national parks such as Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. Other areas of natural beauty to benefit from the boost include the Wye Valley, Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, in addition to many more rural communities across Radnorshire, Monmouthshire, Montgomeryshire, Bognor, Ceredigion and others. Telecoms Minister Chris Bryant said: 'Wales' national parks are not just scenic treasures, they are key drivers of local growth and must not be held back by patchy internet. 'This milestone marks real progress toward a Wales that is fully equipped for the digital age, where residents can access services more easily, local businesses can thrive, and visitors can enjoy our landscapes while feeling safe.' The 4G boost will bring numerous benefits for local communities, enhancing connectivity to support local businesses, improving access to essential online services, enabling quicker payment options and giving farmers access to cutting-edge technology which can improve their productivity and sustainability. Research from telecoms consultancy FarrPoint shows that improved connectivity can deliver a variety of economic benefits, including increased innovation, more flexible working and increasing the labour force, and opening up to larger markets. It is estimated that these benefits could increase gross value added (GVA) for those affected by improved connectivity by 0.5% each year. These upgrades mark significant progress in the government's mission to break down barriers to opportunity and boost economic growth across the UK, as outlined in the Plan for Change. To expand coverage even further, 50 more sites in England, Wales and Scotland are also being targeted for upgrades by March 2026. Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: 'Some of Wales' most visited rural areas now have fast and reliable mobile internet access as a result of UK Government investment. 'Reliable connectivity is important for every aspect of life in rural Wales and will boost the local economy by supporting our crucial tourism sector. 'This is a significant step forward in our mission to kickstart economic growth, create jobs and unlock opportunity in rural areas across Wales.' Ben Roome, CEO of Mova said: 'This is a big milestone for rural mobile coverage. Thanks to strong collaboration between government and industry, 50 publicly funded masts are now live — including this one in Upper Chapel — helping to close the mobile coverage gap for residents, businesses and visitors. 'These masts build on the success of the mobile operators hitting their industry-funded targets a year early. Since the Shared Rural Network began, coverage from all four operators has grown from 66% to 81% of the UK — an increase the size of Wales and Northern Ireland combined. 'With further sites being upgraded and built over the next two years, more people in rural areas will benefit from better mobile coverage.'
North Wales Chronicle
6 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Nearly 30 mobile masts upgraded across rural Wales
The UK Government has announced that 28 existing masts in rural areas, including Snowdonia, have been enhanced, providing better connectivity for all four UK networks. This initiative is part of a broader mission to boost tourism and local growth, aligning with the Government's Plan for Change. The improved coverage will benefit thousands of residents and visitors, offering fast and reliable 4G networks in previously poorly connected areas. This is expected to support local tourism and economic growth. The upgrades are part of the Shared Rural Network programme, a collaboration between the UK government and mobile network operators aimed at improving mobile connectivity in rural areas across Britain. The enhanced coverage will improve safety for holidaymakers and create economic opportunities for local communities in isolated areas, including national parks such as Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. Other areas of natural beauty, such as the Wye Valley, Clwydian Range, and Dee Valley, as well as rural communities across Radnorshire, Monmouthshire, Montgomeryshire and Ceredigion, will also benefit from the improved coverage. Telecoms Minister Chris Bryant said: "Wales' national parks are not just scenic treasures, they are key drivers of local growth and must not be held back by patchy internet. "This milestone marks real progress toward a Wales that is fully equipped for the digital age, where residents can access services more easily, local businesses can thrive, and visitors can enjoy our landscapes while feeling safe." Research by telecoms consultancy FarrPoint shows that improved connectivity can bring a range of economic benefits, including greater innovation, more flexible working, a larger labour force and access to wider markets. It is estimated that these benefits could raise gross value added (GVA) for those impacted by improved connectivity by 0.5 per cent each year. Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: "Some of Wales' most visited rural areas now have fast and reliable mobile internet access as a result of UK Government investment. "Reliable connectivity is important for every aspect of life in rural Wales and will boost the local economy by supporting our crucial tourism sector. "This is a significant step forward in our mission to kickstart economic growth, create jobs and unlock opportunity in rural areas across Wales." Ben Roome, CEO of Mova, said: "This is a big milestone for rural mobile coverage. "Thanks to strong collaboration between government and industry, 50 publicly funded masts are now live — including this one in Upper Chapel — helping to close the mobile coverage gap for residents, businesses and visitors. "These masts build on the success of the mobile operators hitting their industry-funded targets a year early. "Since the Shared Rural Network began, coverage from all four operators has grown from 66 per cent to 81 per cent of the UK — an increase the size of Wales and Northern Ireland combined. "With further sites being upgraded and built over the next two years, more people in rural areas will benefit from better mobile coverage."
Leader Live
6 days ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Nearly 30 mobile masts upgraded across rural Wales
The UK Government has announced that 28 existing masts in rural areas, including Snowdonia, have been enhanced, providing better connectivity for all four UK networks. This initiative is part of a broader mission to boost tourism and local growth, aligning with the Government's Plan for Change. The improved coverage will benefit thousands of residents and visitors, offering fast and reliable 4G networks in previously poorly connected areas. This is expected to support local tourism and economic growth. The upgrades are part of the Shared Rural Network programme, a collaboration between the UK government and mobile network operators aimed at improving mobile connectivity in rural areas across Britain. The enhanced coverage will improve safety for holidaymakers and create economic opportunities for local communities in isolated areas, including national parks such as Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. Other areas of natural beauty, such as the Wye Valley, Clwydian Range, and Dee Valley, as well as rural communities across Radnorshire, Monmouthshire, Montgomeryshire and Ceredigion, will also benefit from the improved coverage. Telecoms Minister Chris Bryant said: "Wales' national parks are not just scenic treasures, they are key drivers of local growth and must not be held back by patchy internet. "This milestone marks real progress toward a Wales that is fully equipped for the digital age, where residents can access services more easily, local businesses can thrive, and visitors can enjoy our landscapes while feeling safe." Research by telecoms consultancy FarrPoint shows that improved connectivity can bring a range of economic benefits, including greater innovation, more flexible working, a larger labour force and access to wider markets. It is estimated that these benefits could raise gross value added (GVA) for those impacted by improved connectivity by 0.5 per cent each year. Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: "Some of Wales' most visited rural areas now have fast and reliable mobile internet access as a result of UK Government investment. "Reliable connectivity is important for every aspect of life in rural Wales and will boost the local economy by supporting our crucial tourism sector. "This is a significant step forward in our mission to kickstart economic growth, create jobs and unlock opportunity in rural areas across Wales." Ben Roome, CEO of Mova, said: "This is a big milestone for rural mobile coverage. "Thanks to strong collaboration between government and industry, 50 publicly funded masts are now live — including this one in Upper Chapel — helping to close the mobile coverage gap for residents, businesses and visitors. "These masts build on the success of the mobile operators hitting their industry-funded targets a year early. "Since the Shared Rural Network began, coverage from all four operators has grown from 66 per cent to 81 per cent of the UK — an increase the size of Wales and Northern Ireland combined. "With further sites being upgraded and built over the next two years, more people in rural areas will benefit from better mobile coverage."
Rhyl Journal
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
Call to halt switch off of outdated energy meters
RTS meters were introduced in the 1980s and use outdated radio signals to switch between peak and off-peak rates. The process to turn them off is due to start on June 30, 2025. Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts has called on the UK government to delay the shut-down of radio tele switch meters (RTS) until all affected households are fitted with alternative meters. Data from Ofgem shows there are approximately 790 RTS meters still being used in Dwyfor Meirionnydd, with around 11,000 still in use across Wales. They were designed to help households using electricity for heating and hot water, including electric storage systems, panel heaters or water tank immersion heaters. The Plaid Cymru MP says if they are not replaced, some heating and hot water systems could stay on all the time, not come on at all, charge at the wrong time, or turn on and off at odd times. She raised the matter in Westminster during a debate on broadband and connectivity, yesterday, Wednesday, May 21. Calling for the switch off to be paused, she asked what could done to help the 11,000 affected households, including vulnerable people and those living off grid in rural areas dependent on the system. The Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Chris Bryant asked her to write to him, so he could pass the matter to the Department of Energy, Security and Net Zero. 'She makes a totally legitimate point , we have to make sure we get that right,' he said Liz Saville Roberts MP said: 'With just over a month until the switch-off, I remain concerned that nearly eight hundred households in Dwyfor Meirionnydd are still using outdated RTS meters and have not yet been transferred to smart meters or alternative options. 'It is vital that energy suppliers redouble efforts to get these households connected to a replacement system. 'There is a real risk that those in our more rural areas will be left without heating and hot water, or face problems with their energy bills. 'Gwynedd has amongst the highest rates of fuel poverty in Wales and any disruption to supply risks plunging low-income and vulnerable households further into poverty.' Many people may not realise that they're on an energy tariff that uses RTF, especially in rural areas where electric storage heating is common. The MP added: 'If people are not aware of the switch-over they won't act, leaving them open to problems. 'I am concerned that electricity suppliers may not be able to transfer people onto smart meters in time or – more worryingly in my constituency – not be able to install a smart meter because of a lack of signal. 'I'm aware that organisations such as National Energy Action (NEA), Ofgem, and Gwynedd Council are actively engaging with communities. 'I would urge the government to go one step further and pause the switch off until sufficient steps have been taken to identify all those still on an RTS meter. Heating and hot water are basic needs. 'We must ensure all affected residents in Dwyfor Meirionnydd are protected and prepared before RTS meters are switched off.' Head of National Energy Action Cymru Ben Saltmarsh said: 'When the Radio Teleswitch Service starts being switched off from the end of June, any meters relying on it could begin to lose functionality. 'Households on these meters could start to see their heating and hot water not working as intended and their storage heaters charging at the wrong time of day. 'This could see low-income and vulnerable households paying more for their energy and finding it harder to keep warm. Wales has 11,000 of these meters that could be affected by the switch-off. 'Anyone who thinks they may have one should get in touch with their supplier to talk about upgrading to a new meter as soon as possible. 'Suppliers should have already been in touch with affected customers and must ensure that a suitable replacement is provided, with no loss of service.' Anyone with questions is urged to get in touch.
