BT Group PLC (LSE:BT.A)’s Openreach is among telecoms firms to have put to paper protections for users of telecare alarms as Britain’s phone network is upgraded.
Almost two million vulnerable people rely on such alarms, which use phone lines, according to the Department for Science, Technology and Innovation.
Seven network operators, including BT-owned Openreach, therefore agreed to ensure vulnerable people had the likes of a working telecare connection as analogue phone lines are replaced with a new digital system, the department said on Monday.
“This will provide much-needed reassurance to those relying on these vital devices,” technology secretary Michelle Donelan commented.
“I will continue to pressure organisations to do everything in their power to make sure the switchover is seamless and safe.”
Britain is due to phase out the use of copper phone lines by late 2025, as the likes of BT look to modernise the system to run on the internet.
However, the shift has prompted fears that some, particularly vulnerable people, could face being disconnected.
Virgin Media O2, which agreed to protect vulnerable people during the shift alongside BT in December, is under investigation over rules ensuring people have uninterrupted access to emergency services through their home phone networks.
“When a person needs urgent medical attention, they must have confidence that their call for help will be responded to as quickly as possible,” digital minister Julia Lopez added.
“The recent incidents that left some people disconnected are unacceptable and must not happen again.”
OpenReach, CityFibre, AllPointsFibre, CommunityFibre, Ogi, KCOM and WightFibre were among the companies to agree to the new protections on Monday.