Damian released the following statement today:
A new report published today calls on the government to play a greater role in the rollout of digital landlines, ahead of the switch-off of the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) analogue landline in 2027. The cross-party group of MPs behind the report is also demanding a stronger public awareness campaign, echoing concerns previously raised by Damian Hinds.
Damian has long campaigned for better protections for consumers with poor or no mobile signal and no broadband access – people who rely entirely on their landline. Last month, he wrote to the Secretary of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, urging the government to mandate longer lasting backup batteries. Ofcom currently requires only one hour of backup power for digital landlines during power outages – a standard Damian argues is insufficient, particularly in rural areas like East Hampshire, where power cuts can last much longer.
Commenting on the report, Damian said: “Unlike traditional landlines, digital landlines will not function during a power cut. For those who are landline-dependent, this creates a real risk of being cut off from a vital lifeline if effective, durable backup solutions are not in place.
“The current system relies on individuals identifying themselves as vulnerable and adding themselves to a register, but the reality is, anyone can be vulnerable at any time.
“A sensible step forward would be to provide back up units to all customers in postcodes prone to regular power outages, free of charge. Ofcom must also mandate a significantly longer battery life for these units than currently required, to reflect the needs of rural communities.”
Non voluntary migrations to digital landlines were temporarily paused last year due to reported failures of telecare alarms on the new system. However, customers not on a vulnerable users register continue to be switched over, causing further issues.
Damian added: “The government must stop the practice of forcing customers onto digital landlines simply because their existing contract ends. Residents in East Hampshire have already been pushed onto digital landlines they didn’t want, with hybrid phones that have limited battery life and no signal during prolonged power cuts. This is unacceptable.”
The full report can be accessed here: https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/aja1CYW3GF3JEplyU0fxUxIfwp?domain=digitalcommunities.inparliament.uk
