BT’s digital switch must avoid rural connectivity ‘black hole’

Farmers and people living in “hard to reach” rural communities must not be overlooked in the race to upgrade traditional landline phones to new digital services, the NFU has said.

BT has announced the next phase in the rollout of Digital Voice, its new home phone service that will replace existing analogue lines with a fully digital service by the end of 2025.

The landline is not going away, but the technology is changing from analogue, and over a longer period of time, more customers will move over from copper to fibre optic lines.

The new home phone service, Digital Voice, uses a broadband connection to make calls.

See also: Rural connectivity still holding back farms, survey finds

BT says the switch is a major step towards preparing the country for a full fibre future, in support of the UK government’s nationwide gigabit-capable broadband and mobile ambitions.

NFU vice-president David Exwood said: “We know all too well how difficult it can be to run a business without stable connectivity.

“It’s vital that this move to a fully digital landline service doesn’t simply create a connectivity black hole and leave farmers without a phone in case of an emergency.”

The NFU has been in regular discussions with BT about this service to help ensure any potential impacts in rural areas have been thoroughly considered and mitigated.

“So far, BT seem to be listening, and we are working closely with them so that those living and working in rural areas are not left behind,” Mr Exwood said.

BT says customers without access to broadband will be offered a “pre-digital landline” service, where new equipment will be installed in the local telephone exchange which will keep them connected to their existing phone line as before.

This service will be available from late 2024 and is designed to provide interim connectivity until 2030 when customers will move over to Digital Voice or an alternative.

In the meantime, customers without access to broadband can continue to use their landline as they do today and will be contacted ahead of any change.

Emergency back-up

BT estimates less than 1% of its landline customers’ premises have insufficient mobile signal to make an emergency call.

Digital Voice customers who live in an area without mobile signal will be provided with a battery back-up unit free of charge, on request, for use in the event of a power cut.

Ofcom, the telecoms regulator, said: “BT has taken the decision to upgrade its landline network over the next few years.

“That means people who already have a landline may be contacted by their provider about upgrading their service so it’s delivered over digital technology. 

“If you don’t have a landline or broadband connection, you have the right to request one from BT, under the universal service.”