"UK telecoms companies are retiring traditional landline services and replacing them with internet-based home phone connections. The industry has set a deadline of January 2027 to complete this switch with roughly 3.2 million homes still to move over. While the digital switchover has been straightforward for most households, for some vulnerable customers, such as those with telecare devices, it has been very stressful."
"In December 2025 Virgin Media was fined 23.8m for leaving thousands of customers, typically elderly and disabled people, without access to their alarms during the transition."
UK telecommunications companies are retiring traditional landline services and replacing them with internet-based home phone connections, with a January 2027 deadline for completion. Approximately 3.2 million homes still need to transition. While most households have adapted smoothly, vulnerable customers—particularly elderly and disabled people relying on telecare devices—have experienced considerable stress. In December 2025, Virgin Media received a £23.8 million fine for leaving thousands of customers without access to their emergency alarms during the switchover. The Guardian is collecting reader experiences and concerns about how this digital transition affects individuals and their families.
#digital-switchover #vulnerable-customers #telecare-devices #telecommunications-regulation #consumer-protection
Read at www.theguardian.com
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