BT to launch a series of events highlighting the digital landline transition

Events to raise awareness will take place across the West Midlands, including sessions in Birmingham, Solihull, the Black Country, Coventry, Shropshire, and Staffordshire.

Advisers will be available to engage with customers and address their enquiries.

The roadshows aim to clarify the industry-wide transition from analogue to digital landlines and assist customers who are prepared to switch to BT’s new home phone service, Digital Voice.

BT is organising a series of roadshows throughout the West Midlands this month to inform residents about the imminent switch from analogue to digital landlines.

The company will be present in the region throughout February to visit communities and discuss with customers the changes to landlines in the upcoming years, and to showcase its new digital landline service – Digital Voice.

An industry-wide shift from analogue to digital landlines will see BT and numerous other UK telecoms operators offering services over a broadband connection, mirroring efforts in various other countries globally including Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden.

This significant upgrade is crucial to future-proof the UK’s landlines, replacing technology that is quickly becoming outdated.

For the vast majority of customers, Digital Voice will not alter how they use their home phone. The service, price plan, and billing will remain unchanged. Furthermore, over 99% of telephone handsets are compatible with Digital Voice, and for those that are not, BT provides a selection of handsets that customers can order.

Residents of the West Midlands will have the opportunity to converse with BT representatives to gain a deeper understanding of the change, its reasons, and potential effects on them.

BT’s events are scheduled across the West Midlands throughout February, including locations such as Birmingham, Coventry, Leamington Spa, Stoke on Trent, Solihull, Kidderminster, Worcester, and Wolverhampton, with specific dates and venues provided.

Vicky Hicks, Senior Engagement Manager at BT, said: “We will be visiting the West Midlands to talk to as many customers as possible about the switch to digital landlines and answer any questions they may have.

“Over 30 events will be held right across the region so we can make sure our customers from Coventry to Cannock are able to meet us face-to-face and learn more about the changes. Those who are ready to make the switch will be supported to do so.

“The landline is here to stay, and for the majority of customers, making the switch simply involves plugging your phone into a broadband router instead of into a wall-mounted phone socket, bringing new benefits such as advanced spam call blocking.

“For almost everyone, moving to Digital Voice will be a simple and free transition with no home installation work required. If you feel you need additional support with the transition or you think you are vulnerable, please tell us. We will be with you every step of the way.” 

BT is collaborating with Local Authorities and telecare providers to identify customers with additional needs and users of telecare devices in preparation for the transition.

This collaboration enables BT to establish the appropriate support package for these customers.

Moreover, BT has committed to the government’s Charter, affirming its dedication to assisting vulnerable customers during the switch.

To inform customers about the straightforward process of transitioning to Digital Voice, BT is conducting awareness campaigns and advertising across local, regional, and national media platforms.