The digital home phone switchover
As landlines in Kirklees make the switchover to digital as part of a UK government wide initiative, the BT Digital Voice team, will be making a truck stop in Kirklees to answer any questions you may have about the industry-wide changes.
Find out more
Come along to one of two events in March where you can find out how the upcoming changes will affect you and your loved ones.
Visit the BT Truck at the Co-op Crown Bottom Car Park in Holmfirth on Thursday 6 March from 10am – 4pm or drop into Dewsbury Library on Railway Street on Wednesday 26 March from 10am – 2pm. The BT team will be able to answer your questions and what the digital switchover means for you.
What is the digital switchover?
The Digital Switchover is a nationwide initiative backed by the UK government. The BT digital switchover is an initiative to upgrade the UK’s landline phone service from the old analogue system (Public Switched Telephone Network, or PSTN) to a new digital system using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. This change is set to be completed by the end of January 2027.
The existing analogue technology is being retired because digital landlines are easier to maintain and can support new digital services for homes and businesses. This upgrade is part of the UK’s broader move towards a Full Fibre future, supporting the government’s gigabit connectivity ambitions.
Here’s further information about the switch from the UK government.
How will it affect me?
For most customers, the switch to Digital Voice will be straightforward. You’ll need to connect your home phone to your broadband router instead of the traditional phone socket. There will be no change to your phone number, plan, or bill.
Your telephone provider should contact you before you switchover. 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 switch to digital landlines in the UK, set to be completed by January 2027, is happening because the current analogue system is outdated and costly to maintain. Digital landlines, using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), offer better call quality, support new digital services, and are easier to manage. This upgrade is part of a global trend and aims to future-proof the UK’s telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring it can handle increased data demands and provide more reliable service.
It’s not only BT, but all telephone 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.
Can’t make the drop-in session?
If you’re unable to make it to the drop-in session, there’s information online or contact your telephone provider.