With the switch from analogue to digital landlines being rolled out across the country, the UK government has urged users of telecare alarms to contact their providers for assistance during the switchover.

Users of telecare alarms, typically the disabled and elderly, can contact telecoms companies for additional free support as the UK continues to switch from copper to digital landlines.

The campaign, funded by BT and Virgin Media and backed by the UK government, has launched, urging millions of telecare users and their support networks to identify themselves so nobody gets overlooked.

Landline companies will send an engineer to carry out the switchover and personally test the telecare alarm, ensuring it continues to work once a household has moved onto the digital network.

Providers will also offer vulnerable customers a free battery back-up device so their landline can continue working in an outage.

Many local authorities and private telecare operators have already signed data sharing agreements with landline providers to ensure that as many telecare users have been identified as possible.

With over two thirds of landlines already migrated, the campaign is the final layer of protection to identify any additional users.

“We cannot afford to leave anyone behind during the vital transition to digital landlines,” telecoms minister Sir Christ Bryant said.

“I have personally set a strict checklist of safeguards for industry to comply with before they migrate any telecare user.

“This industry-led campaign marks a further step towards keeping people safe as we boost the resilience of our networks for the digital age.

“I urge anyone with a telecare alarm – or anyone close to a user of a telecare alarm – to pick up the phone and contact their provider to access the help that’s available.”

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Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, commented: “The move to digital landlines is a critical moment that risks widening the digital divide if the right support isn’t in place.

“Millions of vulnerable people rely on telecare alarms connected to their landlines, many of whom already face barriers to digital access, affordability or confidence.

“Without proactive action, this transition could leave those most in need disconnected from lifesaving services. This includes family members and frontline workers in public and charity services who require more detailed information to help them support vulnerable people.

“It is vital that telecoms providers, government and wider support networks work together to ensure everyone has the support they need and that no one is left behind in the UK’s shift to digital.”

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