By January 2027, the UK’s old analogue landline network will be switched off and replaced with digital landlines, which use broadband instead of the traditional phone lines. For most people, it’s as easy as plugging your current landline phone into your router. BT’s team have done extensive testing with a range of devices to make sure they are compatible, and they are....
✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
No actionable change for clinical practice now, but audiologists should be aware that patients relying on specialist phones (amplified handsets, textphones) may need device compatibility checks before the UK Digital Voice switchover completes in January 2027.
The UK's wholesale shift from analogue to digital phone lines could disrupt communication access for hearing-impaired patients who depend on specialist telephone equipment, making compatibility testing a critical equity issue.
- 01BT is testing specialist and accessibility phone devices for compatibility with the new Digital Voice (broadband-based) phone network.
- 02The UK's analogue landline network is being fully replaced by digital lines by January 2027.
- 03Devices particularly at risk include amplified phones, textphones, and hearing-loop-enabled handsets used by people with hearing loss.
- 04RNID is involved in advocacy and reporting to ensure the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing users are considered during the switchover.
- 05Patients and clinics should verify that any specialist communication devices they use will remain functional on Digital Voice lines.
BT is conducting device testing ahead of the UK Digital Voice switchover to ensure accessibility devices remain functional.
press releasepartially supportedThe UK analogue landline network will be fully replaced by broadband-based digital lines by January 2027.
press releasesupported