Latest news with #DigitalVoice
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Warning to anyone with a UK landline ahead of ‘big change' being rolled out nationwide
A MAJOR change affecting thousands of people who use landline phones in the UK is on its way. Virgin Media is in the process of sending out new advice to all its customers who use the ageing devices. Advertisement 1 Digital Voice is an initiative that is being rolled out across the UK and affects everyone with a landline, regardless of who supplies the service It comes as the service provider continues to move all landline phones over to a high-speed broadband connection. Digital Voice, a UK-wide initiative, is forcing everyone with a landline to go digital. This affects anyone with a landline phone, regardless of who their supplier is. Landlines were traditionally wired in through the old Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) via legacy copper networks. Advertisement In recent years the country has been outfitted with fibre broadband networks, and now landlines are being moved to work on these networks instead as the PSTN is too old and expensive to maintain. 'To make sure all your services are tip-top for the future, we're switching all our customers to our fibre phone network,' Virgin Media said on its website. 'This upgrade is rolling out nationwide, and we want to make sure everyone's ready. 'The Digital Voice Switchover is a big change, but it's designed to make landline services more reliable and future-ready.' That means if you have a landline, it will need to be switched to work over your home broadband connection instead of being plugged into your home's phone line socket. Advertisement Most read in Phones & Gadgets Exclusive Tested Thousands of homes warned of old landline switch off happening in 84 locations The firm's advice mirrors that set out by BT and the UK government. Virgin said there is 'no extra cost' to switch, and that your phone number will stay the same. 'To keep you connected to all the people and things that matter, we need your help to change how you plug your phone in and switch over to our new, ultra-reliable fibre network,' Virgin said. 'When you switch, your phone will need to be plugged directly into the WiFi Hub.' Advertisement The WiFi Hub is the name of Virgin's home WiFi The firm says if you don't already have a Hub, it will send one to you. If you do not have home broadband, you are unlikely to have the Hub, but it is necessary to have one in order for your landline service to switch to a digital connection. Virgin Media confirmed you will not be forced to buy a broadband plan if you don't want one, it's just that you need the WiFi Hub in your home to plug your Advertisement 'If you've already switched over to our fibre phone line, meaning your phone line is already connected to the WiFi Hub, then you're up and running on our new network, and there's nothing for you to do,' a spokesperson for Virgin said. 'To make sure you continue to get the great service you expect, you'll need to follow a few simple instructions from us when the time comes. "So, it's important that you keep your eye on your letterboxes and inboxes so you don't miss this information.' What to do in an emergency Virgin says landlines will stop working on the new technology if there is a power cut. In a statement, the company said: 'In the unlikely event of a power cut or a network disruption, you won't be able to make or receive calls on your landline. "Always keep a mobile phone charged and handy.' The firm directs customers without a mobile phone, and those with accessibility needs who rely on landlines, to ask about the provision of an emergency backup line , a battery-powered second phone line. You should be on the lookout for a letter or email from Virgin Media concerning your specific switchover date. Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun 'On this day, you'll need to use an adaptor to plug your landline into our WiFi Hub,' Virgin said. 'We'll either send you the adaptor and step-by-step instructions or arrange for an engineer to carry out the switch for you.' Digital Voice is said to be a better quality
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Warning to anyone with a UK landline ahead of ‘big change' being rolled out nationwide
Virgin Media customers will receive a letter informing them of their switchover date FINAL CALL Warning to anyone with a UK landline ahead of 'big change' being rolled out nationwide A MAJOR change affecting thousands of people who use landline phones in the UK is on its way. Virgin Media is in the process of sending out new advice to all its customers who use the ageing devices. 1 Digital Voice is an initiative that is being rolled out across the UK and affects everyone with a landline, regardless of who supplies the service It comes as the service provider continues to move all landline phones over to a high-speed broadband connection. Digital Voice, a UK-wide initiative, is forcing everyone with a landline to go digital. This affects anyone with a landline phone, regardless of who their supplier is. Landlines were traditionally wired in through the old Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) via legacy copper networks. In recent years the country has been outfitted with fibre broadband networks, and now landlines are being moved to work on these networks instead as the PSTN is too old and expensive to maintain. 'To make sure all your services are tip-top for the future, we're switching all our customers to our fibre phone network,' Virgin Media said on its website. 'This upgrade is rolling out nationwide, and we want to make sure everyone's ready. 'The Digital Voice Switchover is a big change, but it's designed to make landline services more reliable and future-ready.' That means if you have a landline, it will need to be switched to work over your home broadband connection instead of being plugged into your home's phone line socket. Thousands of homes warned of old landline switch off happening in 84 locations The firm's advice mirrors that set out by BT and the UK government. Virgin said there is 'no extra cost' to switch, and that your phone number will stay the same. 'To keep you connected to all the people and things that matter, we need your help to change how you plug your phone in and switch over to our new, ultra-reliable fibre network,' Virgin said. 'When you switch, your phone will need to be plugged directly into the WiFi Hub.' The WiFi Hub is the name of Virgin's home WiFi router. The firm says if you don't already have a Hub, it will send one to you. If you do not have home broadband, you are unlikely to have the Hub, but it is necessary to have one in order for your landline service to switch to a digital connection. Virgin Media confirmed you will not be forced to buy a broadband plan if you don't want one, it's just that you need the WiFi Hub in your home to plug your landline into. 'If you've already switched over to our fibre phone line, meaning your phone line is already connected to the WiFi Hub, then you're up and running on our new network, and there's nothing for you to do,' a spokesperson for Virgin said. 'To make sure you continue to get the great service you expect, you'll need to follow a few simple instructions from us when the time comes. "So, it's important that you keep your eye on your letterboxes and inboxes so you don't miss this information.' What to do in an emergency Virgin says landlines will stop working on the new technology if there is a power cut. In a statement, the company said: 'In the unlikely event of a power cut or a network disruption, you won't be able to make or receive calls on your landline. "Always keep a mobile phone charged and handy.' The firm directs customers without a mobile phone, and those with accessibility needs who rely on landlines, to ask about the provision of an emergency backup line, a battery-powered second phone line. You should be on the lookout for a letter or email from Virgin Media concerning your specific switchover date. 'On this day, you'll need to use an adaptor to plug your landline into our WiFi Hub,' Virgin said. 'We'll either send you the adaptor and step-by-step instructions or arrange for an engineer to carry out the switch for you.' Digital Voice is said to be a better quality phone line as it will be going over a faster digital broadband connection rather than an analogue copper wire.
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Warning to anyone with a UK landline ahead of ‘big change' being rolled out nationwide
A MAJOR change affecting thousands of people who use landline phones in the UK is on its way. Virgin Media is in the process of sending out new advice to all its customers who use the ageing devices. It comes as the service provider continues to move all landline phones over to a high-speed broadband connection. Digital Voice, a UK-wide initiative, is forcing everyone with a landline to go digital. This affects anyone with a landline phone, regardless of who their supplier is. Landlines were traditionally wired in through the old Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) via legacy copper networks. In recent years the country has been outfitted with fibre broadband networks, and now landlines are being moved to work on these networks instead as the PSTN is too old and expensive to maintain. 'To make sure all your services are tip-top for the future, we're switching all our customers to our fibre phone network,' Virgin Media said on its website. 'This upgrade is rolling out nationwide, and we want to make sure everyone's ready. 'The Digital Voice Switchover is a big change, but it's designed to make landline services more reliable and future-ready.' That means if you have a landline, it will need to be switched to work over your home broadband connection instead of being plugged into your home's phone line socket. Thousands of homes warned of old landline switch off happening in 84 locations The firm's advice mirrors that set out by BT and the UK government. Virgin said there is 'no extra cost' to switch, and that your phone number will stay the same. 'To keep you connected to all the people and things that matter, we need your help to change how you plug your phone in and switch over to our new, ultra-reliable fibre network,' Virgin said. 'When you switch, your phone will need to be plugged directly into the WiFi Hub.' The WiFi Hub is the name of Virgin's home WiFi router. The firm says if you don't already have a Hub, it will send one to you. If you do not have home broadband, you are unlikely to have the Hub, but it is necessary to have one in order for your landline service to switch to a digital connection. Virgin Media confirmed you will not be forced to buy a broadband plan if you don't want one, it's just that you need the WiFi Hub in your home to plug your landline into. 'If you've already switched over to our fibre phone line, meaning your phone line is already connected to the WiFi Hub, then you're up and running on our new network, and there's nothing for you to do,' a spokesperson for Virgin said. 'To make sure you continue to get the great service you expect, you'll need to follow a few simple instructions from us when the time comes. "So, it's important that you keep your eye on your letterboxes and inboxes so you don't miss this information.' What to do in an emergency Virgin says landlines will stop working on the new technology if there is a power cut. In a statement, the company said: 'In the unlikely event of a power cut or a network disruption, you won't be able to make or receive calls on your landline. "Always keep a mobile phone charged and handy.' The firm directs customers without a mobile phone, and those with accessibility needs who rely on landlines, to ask about the provision of an emergency backup line, a battery-powered second phone line. You should be on the lookout for a letter or email from Virgin Media concerning your specific switchover date. 'On this day, you'll need to use an adaptor to plug your landline into our WiFi Hub,' Virgin said. 'We'll either send you the adaptor and step-by-step instructions or arrange for an engineer to carry out the switch for you.' Digital Voice is said to be a better quality phone line as it will be going over a faster digital broadband connection rather than an analogue copper wire.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The UK's old landline network is being switched off. This is how it will affect you
Traditional landlines in Britain are being phased out altogether in a major change to the telephone service. From 2027, all households will use a new home phone service delivered over broadband, rather than the traditional copper phone network - although most households will be switched over this year. Charities have told Yahoo News that while many older people in particular may feel "daunted" by the digital switchover, it was important to stress that landlines aren't being phased out altogether - it's the network that is changing. Presenter Moira Stuart 75, has fronted a campaign - alongside BT - looking to raise awareness of the new replacement service, known as Digital Voice. The new service includes scam-blocking features, and is delivered entirely over broadband. Stuart, who worked for the BBC for 34 years, said, 'Like many people, I've relied on a landline for most of my life – so I was curious to understand what switching to Digital Voice really means." Stuart previously almost fell victim to a bank scam, saying at the time, 'I was absolutely devastated, embarrassed and angry with myself'. Digital Voice is a new service which uses the broadband network to route calls. It replaces Britain's century-old copper wire network, which is no longer reliable enough to deliver high-quality services and which has become difficult and expensive to repair. Instead of plugging a phone into a wall socket, customers typically plug it directly into a broadband router and make calls this way. The way calls work won't change, but they will travel over the internet instead of the copper line, offering improved sound quality. The full 'switch off' was originally planned for 2025 but was extended to 2027, although voice lines in homes will be switched off sooner. BT has provided the following schedule for vulnerable customers as to when their services might be switched over. Spring 2025: East of England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Yorkshire & Humber Summer 2025: East Midlands, London, North East England, Scotland Autumn 2025: North West England, South East England, South West England, West Midlands The change will affect users who still use old-style copper-wire landlines for phones or other devices. Since September 2023, there have been no new connections to the copper network, and BT is working to move customers off copper wire in services that have historically relied on such lines, like lifts. BT says the rollout will prioritise vulnerable customers, offering free in-home visits from engineers. There is an interim landline service for landline-only users which can support customers until 2030 if they do not have broadband. If you're worried about your own connection or that of a family member, BT has a 'Connected Together' website dedicated to the switchover - which offers support information and tools in switching over. (Visit BT here for more details.) One of the potential upsides however, according to BT, is that Digital Voice will provide built-in protection against scam and nuisance calls. According to a study by the University of Portsmouth in 2024, older adults in the UK, particularly those over the age of 75, are experiencing an unprecedented number of attempted telephone frauds. At least two-thirds of the respondents were targeted by scammers in the past six months, with nearly 75 per cent of the attempted frauds conducted via telephone. BT says Digital Voice blocks 17,000 scam calls every day and flags over 158,000 as suspected nuisance calls. Many older people also use telecare - a range of services that use alarms and sensors to check that people are okay - and BT says that these will only be upgraded to Digital Voice once BT is sure that the equipment is compatible. People who use a telecare device will be offered an engineer visit (free) and a battery back-up unit in cases there is a power outage. Caroline Abrahams CBE, Charity Director at Age UK told Yahoo News: 'Lots of people may feel daunted by digital developments and are worried about the digital switchover, but landlines aren't being phased out – it's the network that's being upgraded and services are changing. 'Switching over will be straightforward for most, but some households may need new equipment or support. If you or an older person you support uses a telecare device, pendant alarm or burglar alarm, let the phone company know and check with the equipment provider to see whether it needs to be upgraded ahead of the switch. 'In most cases people will be able to keep the same number and handset. Telephone providers will contact people affected in advance to let them know when their system is changing and what needs to be done. In some cases, an engineer will need to visit to make changes. When your telephone provider contacts you, let them know if you have any questions or concerns. The new service will cost the same as before, BT says, and users who do not have broadband will be offered a connection. Age UK's Abrahams says: 'If you don't already have broadband, your network provider will supply the connection – so you shouldn't face extra costs."
Powys County Times
28-04-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Moira Stuart backs BT campaign over awareness on traditional landline phase-out
Veteran broadcaster Moira Stuart has teamed up with BT in a campaign to raise awareness of the phasing out of traditional landlines. The presenter, 75, is fronting a campaign to raise awareness of BT's new home phone service delivered over broadband, rather than the traditional copper phone network. The service is called Digital Voice and includes scam-blocking features. Stuart, who worked for the BBC for 34 years, spoke about her own experience with switching to a digital landline. 'Like many people, I've relied on a landline for most of my life – so I was curious to understand what switching to Digital Voice really means,' she said. 'I've learned that for most of us, it's as easy as plugging your phone into your broadband router, and you're good to go. 'It's great to see how much BT is doing to support its customers through the change – and I know first-hand how important it can be to have that extra protection against scam calls.' Stuart has spoken previously about her own experience with scam calls after nearly losing thousands by falling victim to a bank scam. Speaking at the time, she said 'I was absolutely devastated, embarrassed and angry with myself'. 'If you're very independent, as I am, it feels like you have let yourself down, your family, everyone who knows you. This feeling, this intrusion, it doesn't leave you,' she told the Times. The telecoms giant said that with three million households having made the switch to digital, the service already blocks 17,000 scam calls per day. BT says the rollout will prioritise vulnerable customers, offering free in-home visits from engineers. Lucy Baker, All-IP director at BT Group, said: 'The switch to digital landlines is a once-in-a-generation change. 'It's vital that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from more reliable, secure technology and is equipped for the increasingly connected world we're moving towards.'
