A significant change is on the horizon for phone users in the UK, with the traditional copper landlines set to be phased out and replaced by a new technology called Digital Voice. This upgrade, scheduled to take effect from January 2027, aims to enhance communication capabilities by leveraging broadband for making calls.
The transition to Digital Voice is not only essential to keep up with modern communication needs but also promises improved reliability and introduces new functionalities like clearer conversations, call forwarding to mobile devices, and enhanced call screening to combat scams and unwanted marketing calls.
To ensure a smooth transition, BT is launching a campaign, spearheaded by Clare Balding, urging homeowners to prepare for the digital shift. Recent research highlights that people often procrastinate on crucial tasks, mistakenly believing that functional services require no immediate action.
Customers are assured that they are likely to retain their phone numbers, and costs should remain unchanged during the switch. Most households will simply need to connect their existing phones to their broadband hubs instead of the traditional wall sockets, without the need for technician visits.
BT emphasizes the importance of promptly responding to communications from service providers to avoid disruptions in essential services. Lucy Baker, Consumer Digital Voice Director at BT, stresses the significance of embracing this once-in-a-generation upgrade for enhanced connectivity and security.
Digital Voice, BT’s latest home phone service, eliminates the use of copper lines in favor of broadband connectivity. It introduces advanced features like Multi Call for conference calls and call diversion to mobile numbers, offering a significant improvement in call quality.
Upgrading to Digital Voice should not impact how households use their phones, as the service is bundled with broadband at no additional cost. The transition aims to provide a seamless and enhanced communication experience, ensuring that customers can benefit from reliable and secure technology.