Landlines in Kirklees are being switched over to digital – and Kirklees Council is helping local people understand what is happening and why.

BT is making the switch and it’s part of a UK-wide programme which will see all residential and business landlines switched over by 2025.

Kirklees is next in line and the BT Digital Voice truck will be making a stop in Huddersfield to answer people’s questions about what it means for them.

The team from BT will be located at Huddersfield Bus Station on Thursday August 17 and Friday August 18 from 9am to 5pm. The advice below has been put together by Kirklees Council.

What is the Digital Switchover?

The Digital Switchover is a nationwide initiative backed by the UK government. The switchover from copper lines to digital lines started in 2020 and is expected that all homes and businesses will be moved across before the end of 2025. Physical telephones will remain operational and will plug into the broadband socket instead of the landline socket.

Here’s further information about the switch from the UK government UK transition from analogue to digital landlines – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). 

How will it affect me?

The switchover to digital will have very little impact on those that use a landline, and you will continue to receive the same services and price plans won’t be affected by the switchover.

Your phone handsets should continue to work in the same way. If you already have a broadband connection, then the new digital landline system will use this.

If you don’t have a broadband connection, your provider will supply one specifically to support the new digital system. You shouldn’t pay extra for this if you don’t move over to a broadband service.

People who will not be proactively switched include:

  • Those with a healthcare pendant;
  • Anyone over 70;
  • People who only use landlines;
  • Individuals without a mobile signal;
  • People that have disclosed additional needs to their service provider.

Your telephone provider should contact you before you switch over. If you have a care alarm/telecare device or similar that works via your landline, please make them aware so they can ensure it continues to work or supply you with a suitable device.

Why is the switch happening?

The analogue network that most home phones work on today is no longer fit for purpose and can’t keep up with the demands of modern life. The digital phone service will run on the broadband network. It offers lots of benefits and improved features over the existing system, like advanced spam call blocking.

It’s not just BT, it affects all operators

All landline telephone operators in the UK are making the switch, not just BT, so if you have a landline with a different company, the BT team will still be able to answer your questions.

What if you can’t get to the BT truck?

If you’re unable to make it to the roadshow in Huddersfield, there’s information online or contact your telephone provider.

Click here for online information.