People who use telecare equipment at home to help them stay safe and independent are being encouraged to check with their telecare provider and telephone company ahead of the national switch from analogue to digital phone services.
The UK’s traditional telephone network is being upgraded, with analogue phone lines being replaced by digital technology. The change is due to be completed by January 2027.
According to the government some older telecare devices which rely on traditional landlines may need to be checked or upgraded to continue working as expected.
Telecare equipment helps thousands of people live independently in their own homes. It can include personal alarm pendants, falls detectors, monitored alarms and other devices that connect people to help in an emergency.
The message from service providers is simple: if you use telecare equipment, or know someone who does, contact the organisation that provides the equipment and let your telephone provider know.
This will help them identify any support that may be needed before the switch to digital services takes place.
People do not need to be concerned, but they should take a few minutes to check whether their equipment could be affected and follow any advice they are given by their provider.
Councillor Richard Keeling, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said:
“Telecare helps many people across Devon remain independent, confident and safe in their own homes. This change to the telephone network is happening across the country, and for most people it will be straightforward.
“Our advice is simply to check with your telecare provider and your telephone company if you use equipment such as a personal alarm or falls detector. They can advise whether any action is needed and provide support if required.
“There’s no need to worry, but it is worth checking now so that you can continue using services that help you stay independent.”
Even if someone doesn’t use telecare, the digital switchover still matters because their landline itself is changing.
Councillor Keeling added:
“Even if you don’t use telecare, the digital switchover could affect you.
“Digital home phones rely on powered equipment, so they may not work during a power cut without a backup.
“If you rely on your landline and don’t have a mobile phone or reliable mobile signal, contact your telephone provider and tell them.”
Communications providers are responsible for contacting their customers about the digital switchover and arranging any necessary migration.
Residents who use telecare equipment should respond to these communications and make sure their provider knows about any devices connected to their phone service.
Further information about the digital switchover is available from the telecommunications industry campaign at Digital Phone Switchover and from Government guidance on telecare and the digital switchover.