The switch to digital landlines in Scotland is the next phase in BT’s Digital Voice rollout, which aims to switch off the outdated analogue network across the country by 2025. 

The new phone service will mean calls are made over the internet via broadband line, instead of over traditional landlines.

The Scottish switch will happen in summertime next year, however, seeing as many remote islands who rely on landline phones for communications are the same ones with low internet speeds, the loss of analogue phone networks could be more disruptive than helpful. 

Scotland’s average internet speed is around 70 Mbps, significantly below the national average of 86.5 Mbps. Some regions in Scotland even recorded average speeds of 41 Mbps or lower.

On whether voice calls on landline phones would be possible without broadband connection, BT said: “We’re currently working on different solutions to keep people who have no Broadband connected. We’ll be sure to let you know well in advance what your options are.”

BT did say, however, that customers who only use a landline and have no mobile signal will not be proactively switched. 

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“We understand that any change can be unsettling, and we’re here to support our customers every step of the way. First-hand experience shows that once people have the facts and have spoken to one of our advisers, they feel confident to make the switch,” said Lucy Baker, All-IP director for BT Consumer.

“If we’ve not been in touch or visited your area yet, don’t worry. We’ll be in touch when it’s time to switch. For anyone who has any issues, questions or concerns, then I’d encourage them to get in touch and let us know,” she said. 

Before reaching Scotland, the Digital Voice programme will be rolled out in the North West of England and London in autumn, then to the West Midlands, South East, Wales, and East Anglia in Spring next year. When the programme reaches Scotland next summer, it will also reach the wider North East, and South West of the UK.