Damian led a debate on the impact of digital landlines on rural communities in Westminster Hall. During the debate, Damian said:
"My focus today is not just on people on the ‘vulnerable’ register – anyone can be vulnerable at some time. My focus is also on everyone who lives in the sort of rural area prone to more frequent, sustained power cuts.
"This is key – because we are used to being able to use the phone, even if the power goes down. The landline can be – literally – a lifeline. But digital telephony needs its own power supply. If the power goes out, you might be able to use your mobile phone if it has charge.
"But in the most rural areas that may suffer more power cuts, these are also often areas with poor mobile signal – and especially so indoors. So this is not an option.Whilst mobile and broadband connectivity have improved markedly in many areas, there is still a big gap between towns and rural areas.
"And, on electricity: storms have been getting more frequent; and with storms comes damage to power lines".
Using real life experiences of constituents living in East Hampshire to demonstrate the negative consequences of the switch over, Damian made four asks of government:
Firstly, there needs to be much greater awareness about the digital switchover through a nationally led campaign, alongside the national telecare campaign.
Secondly, government departments must work together to make the infrastructure transition work. DESNZ, Ofgem and the energy sector must work hand-in-hand with DCMS, Ofcom and communications providers to ensure people aren’t left stranded during prolonged power cuts, because in the future, electricity and telecoms will no longer be utilities that can be considered separate.
Thirdly, communications providers must find a way for all customers in areas with high power cut incidence – and especially those without a good mobile signal either – to be provided with a decent battery back-up, without additional cost to them individually. These should be considered part of the fixed cost of the network as a whole.
Lastly, Damian urged the government not to hide behind the fact that “it’s an industry led programme” because ultimately it is for government to ensure that people are not totally cut off and can contact the emergency services in their hour of need.
