BT has shared more than 130 new locations where “STOP SELL” notices for traditional landlines have been put in place as part of a wider shift away from the technology. It comes as major providers continue to phase out analog copper landlines in favour of Digital Voice, a nationwide initiative that uses your broadband to make calls.
People setting up new phone and broadband plans will have to move to the new technology, as will those updating existing contracts, as per the outlet.
Existing landlines will eventually be wound down and move onto Digital Voice too, though copper-based plans will reportedly continue for customers where the full fibre isn’t available yet.
BT has stressed that no-one will be left behind by the changes, including those without broadband currently. “Rest assured, you won’t be left without a home phone service and you won’t pay more than you do today,” the firm said.
“By phasing out legacy copper-based services in areas where fibre is now widely available, we’re ensuring customers and providers move onto faster, more reliable, digital infrastructure.
“This approach not only reduces the cost and complexity of having to maintain both old and new networks but also supports the industry-wide migration ahead of the legacy copper-based Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) now just over 12-months away, by which time everyone will need a digital phone line.”
While many may be uneasy about moving away from their current wired set up, using the digital platform – which supports HD or high definition voice – should improve call quality and clarity.
ISP Review, an independent industry site which reports on UK telecoms news has totted up a total of 132 locations where “over 75% of premises are able to get full fibre lines” and have been told to stop installing new analog landlines.
