Helen in landline warning ahead of digital switchover

Helen Morgan MP is urging people with telecare devices and those in signal blackspot to contact their landline provider ahead of the analogue network being shut down.

The North Shropshire MP is the Chair of a cross-party group of Parliamentarians which has been calling for the Government and landline providers to do more to support vulnerable people affected by the digital switchover.

The digital switchover – officially called the public switched telephone network (PSTN) migration - is a major digital transformation project which has the potential to affect millions of people, particularly residents who depend on telecare devices.

The deadline for the switchover has been repeatedly pushed back after warnings that many affected residents are not prepared for the change. A new national telecare campaign which was called for by Helen’s cross-party group has now been launched to increase awareness of the switchover.

Anyone unsure about how the change might affect them is being encouraged to contact their landline provider.

Helen Morgan, who is a leading campaigner for improved rural mobile phone signal, is particularly concerned that people who live in signal blackspots could be left with no means of communication in the event of a power cut.

Currently the analogue landline connection continues to work when power is lost, but this is not the case with digital connections.

Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire and Chair of the Digital Communities APPG, said, “I am pleased to see the launch of the national telecare campaign today - something I have long been calling for.

“It’s important that anybody who is worried about how the switchover may affect them, or someone they care for, contacts their landline provider as soon as possible.

“It’s taken a lot of work but many concerns previously raised have thankfully now been fixed. Now it’s important that any remaining issues are rectified before the PSTN is shut down.

“If anybody in North Shropshire is struggling to get the support they need then they are welcome to contact me and I will do my best to help.”