Switchover must protect most vulnerable - MPs

The most vulnerable people in society need to be protected as the UK phone network is switched to a digital system, a group of MPs has said.

Landline operators are switching every home phone in the UK to an internet-based connection instead of traditional, copper-wire cables.

However, Shropshire MP and chair of the Digital Communities All-Party Parliamentary Group Helen Morgan said the government needed to show better leadership and make sure people were not being left behind, particularly in rural communities.

The group is publishing its first report on the digital switchover on Tuesday.

"Successive governments have not provided leadership or coordination to this programme, and it is now time for this new government to correct course," Morgan said.

"The risk to life if residents are not safely migrated is real. A digital transformation project of this kind cannot be allowed to be led by industry operatives alone."

The group said existing analogue lines were rapidly deteriorating, putting millions of residents at risk who depend on these, particularly those who are older, have a disability or need extra support.

In December 2023, telecoms firms paused making vulnerable customers switch to digital landlines after "serious incidents" where telecare devices stopped working.

The report by the all-party parliamentary group said ministers had increased their involvement in the switchover over the past year following reported concerns about residents' safety, including a small number of fatalities.

But it urged government to show more leadership.

The group also said it had "significant concerns" over proposed plans for a national telecare campaign, which is now believed to have been delayed until the summer.

The campaign will be funded by BT and Virgin Media O2, and while the MPs said they supported the principle of a national campaign, it had seen a lack of coordination from the firms and government.

"The digital switchover should be known and understood by every resident across the country to ensure the most vulnerable in our communities are protected," Morgan said.

The Liberal Democrat MP said people living in rural communities, such as North Shropshire, were particularly exposed during prolonged power cuts and a reliable system was needed to protect them.

"Our residents deserve to know that they can always call for help in an emergency, whatever the weather," she added.

The all-party parliamentary group will formally launch its report, Care to Connect, in Parliament at 15:00 GMT on Tuesday.

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