Seven major network operators in charge of maintaining the United Kingdom's internet and phone infrastructure have agreed on new safeguards to protect vulnerable customers as their landlines are upgraded to a new digital network.
Network operators, including Openreach, CityFibre, and Community Fibre, have agreed to new safeguards that will ensure people who rely on personal alarms to call for assistance do not go without a working device during the migration. These vital alarms are used by nearly two million people in the UK.
The newly agreed-upon measures include a commitment from network operators to take proactive steps, ensuring that customers' lifesaving buttons remain functional, and viable alternatives are in place before any migration takes place.
Following this announcement, the Technology Secretary has now secured agreement from the majority of the telecoms sector, from network infrastructure operators to internet and phone providers such as VMO2 and BT, which agreed to similar mitigations in December 2023.
The charter is the result of ongoing and active collaboration among telecom operators, and it is a positive step toward ensuring that safety remains at the forefront of the nationwide switchover, providing reassurance to vulnerable households.
“I welcome more telecoms companies joining forces to make this a priority, meaning we now have agreement from those responsible for our telecoms infrastructure and those providing mobile and broadband services,” said Technology Secretary, Michelle Donelan, in a government press release.
“This will provide much needed reassurance to those relying on these vital devices and I will continue to pressure organizations to do everything in their power to make sure the switchover is seamless and safe,” she continued.
