Connectivity / Events to give more information on analogue switch-off
EVENTS are being held by BT at the library in Lerwick which aim to give people more information about the switch-off of analogue phones.
The first drop-in event is running from 11am to 3pm today, with the second being hosted between 10am and 1pm tomorrow (Friday).
Landlines in the UK are going digital by 2027, causing concern over the impact this could have for example on phones during power cuts.
Earlier this year BT confirmed the switch-off had been put back to January 2027.
BT is hosting events across the country ahead of the switch from analogue, with staff on hand to show how the new Digital Voice service works.
Senior engagement manger Vicky Hicks said: “The landline is here to stay, and for the majority of customers, making the switch simply means plugging your phone into a broadband router instead of into a wall-mounted phone socket. This will bring new benefits like advanced spam call blocking.”
Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart previously said: “While it is disappointing that BT are only visiting Lerwick on their Digital Voice roadshow, nevertheless this visit provides an opportunity for those who can attend to meet BT staff face-to-face and ask any questions they may have.
“If you have concerns about the switch to digital phonelines, or are having difficulties engaging with your supplier, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me and I can make representations on your behalf.”
Meanwhile North Isles councillor Ryan Thomson said it was “really poor” that there were not events in the island and rural areas, and added he was planning to write to BT about the issue.
More information on BT’s Digital Voice can be found here.
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