All UK telecoms operators are in the process of a Digital Switchover, moving away from analogue landlines to a new digital service. It is reported that this industry-led initiative will be completed by 2025, with some operators having already started switching customers over.
Assistive technology and telecare devices, such as fall monitors, lifelines or personal alarms, rely on analogue landlines and will therefore be affected by the Digital Switchover. Advice for customers of Bromley Council’s Carelink service who use these devices can be found below.
For those mainly using analogue landlines for their home telephone, this should be a straight forward change. Your telecoms provider will be the best point of contact for information on when and how your service will be switched over.
What does this mean for Carelink customers?
Carelink customers do not need to take any action as the Carelink team will be in touch directly with further information. If you are able, please contact your telecoms provider to let them know about your Carelink device.
The assistive technology or telecare devices used by Carelink currently rely on analogue landlines to connect users to help during emergencies. Older Carelink devices will therefore need to be upgraded to ensure that they are compatible with new digital landlines. The Carelink team will be in touch directly with further information and to discuss whether their device needs upgrading.
As telecoms providers should be taking extra care with customers that they know to use assistive technology or telecare devices, it is vital that their records are up to date. If they have not been in touch already, please contact your telecoms provider’s customer service team to ensure that they are aware of your Carelink device.
When it comes to being actively switched over, please ensure that your telecoms provider checks that your Carelink device is fully functioning before they leave your property or mark your switch as complete. If your Carelink device stops working, please call 020 8466 0046.
Further information
Your telecoms provider will be the best point of contact for information on when and how your service will be switched over.
For non-urgent enquiries about what Bromley Council is doing to support Carelink customers with the switch, please email PSTN@bromley.gov.uk.