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UK Set to Switch to Broadband Phones
The UK is set to switch off its old landline network soon - forcing millions of Brits to switch to modern broadband technology.
15:10 06 September 2023
The UK is set to switch off its 19th-century old telephone network in 2025 leaving millions of Brits no option but to use modern-day broadbnad technology to stay in touch with friends and family using a system called Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP.
Following the announcement, many consumer groups raised their concerns over the possibility of having some people-particularly the elderly-being left behind. One customer took to Twitter saying: "I don't like the idea of the landline PSTN network being switched off in 2025. Digital landlines will not work in a power cut, you'll need a mobile phone or backup device with batteries, which you cannot charge if there is a power cut."
Meanwhile, BT and Virgin said they'll be offering a landline-only broadband setup service for those who are interested at no extra charge to them.
Explaining more, BT said on its help page: "The Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) will close in December 2025. This won’t just affect voice services, it may also mean you need to upgrade your broadband. Any equipment that currently uses the PSTN will stop working: alarms, EPOS machines, door entry systems, CCTV, faxes, and so on. The Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) will also stop working. At some point before 2025, you’ll need to move from PSTN to the latest IP technology."