BT are rolling out digital phones to all customers – and just last week I helped someone with the setup. So here’s my ‘what you need to know’ guide and some common questions!
What is BT Digital Voice, and how will it impact me?
What’s Digital Voice?
BT are upgrading their phone network to phase out copper wires. Instead everyone will have a digital (broadband) telephone line. You can read more here: https://www.bt.com/broadband/digital-voice.
The rollout aims to be complete by 2025, and you might imagine Greystoke wouldn’t be top priority, but you’d be wrong! It’s coming to houses here already!
Is it going to cost more?
No. BT say “Switching to Digital Voice won’t cost anything, and you won’t pay more than your current home phone plan, unless you’ve chosen to upgrade to Digital Voice while re-contracting your home broadband plan.”
Do I need to have broadband to keep my phone line?
No you don’t. If you don’t have broadband then BT will install a digital line for you.
So what changes?
Well if you don’t have a Smart Hub 2, you’ll get sent one free of charge. You’ll need to return your old router within 60 days so don’t forget to do that. You’ll then plug your phone into the back of the router.
What if my router isn’t where I need a phone?
You can order an adapter for free so that you don’t have to plug your phone into the router. If you want your phone in a different place to your Smart Hub 2 router, this is possible with a Digital Voice adapter. You’ll need one Digital Voice adapter for a cordless system, or one adapter per corded phone if you’re using a corded system. You’ll have to pay for additional adapters. Read more
Will my old phone still work?
Yes it should, although you may need an adapter.
What about my answerphone?
Note though that your answer phone may not work if it’s built into your phone. You’ll need to use the (free) 1571 voicemail instead. This appears to be automatically enabled. Your answerphone may work if you turn 1571 off – and you may need an adapter. More on this when I find out. See this discussion: https://community.bt.com/t5/Archive-Staging/Can-I-use-my-old-answering-machine-on-Digital-Voice/td-p/2189940
What about telecare and burglar alarms?
Here’s what BT have to say: “We’re working closely with telecare and alarm providers to make sure that we know who is using their equipment. We want to make sure that you aren’t moved over before your provider is ready, so please speak to your provider and they may ask you to call us to let us know which equipment you’re using.”
What about Power Cuts?
Good question! Your digital phone won’t work in a power cut, so you’ll need to make sure you have a charged mobile phone. It’s a great idea to buy a charge pack too, just in case! BT say If you don’t have a mobile phone or are in an area with no mobile signal, please contact them on 0330 1234 150.
Argos have a good range of power packs here: https://www.argos.co.uk/browse/technology/mobile-phones-and-accessories/portable-power-banks/c:30297/ and you can click and collect from Sainsbury’s in town.
What about Elderly or Vulnerable people?
If you have concerns then contact BT as soon as possible. This article provides some great information: https://community.bt.com/t5/Home-phone-including-Digital/Elderly-vulnerable-customers-without-Broadband-Notification-of/td-p/2300622
BT say they won’t proactively switch anyone who falls under the below criteria, where it has this information available to them:
- Customers with a healthcare pendant
- Customers who are over 70
- Customers who only use landlines
- Customers with no mobile signal
- Customers who have disclosed any additional needs
There’s been a lot of ‘whataboutery’ in this article but I hope in a good way!
Drop me an email / DM if you have more questions!
