Event Roundup: Digital Phone Switchover Healthcare Briefing
On December 8th techUK hosted a briefing on the digital landline switchover focusing on what this will mean and the opportunities and challenges for those operating in the health space. The briefing is part of a series of events organized by techUK to raise awareness of the retirement of the analog PSTN phone network and replacement by digital technology.
Sarah Shepherd from techUK opened the session and highlighted the work being carried out by Communications Providers and Openreach through techUK – including collaborating on a series of information sheets for different audiences. A leaflet focused on telecare is available below:
Telecare_techUK V7.pdf 1
David Christie from Virgin Media O2 set out the rationale for the landline upgrade, with current technology outdated and no longer guaranteed to be supported by manufacturers. Non-voice services that use the PSTN are a key focus for VMO2 and communications will be increased to drive further awareness. Openreach followed and highlighted the range of use cases of the analog line with over 400 identified – from lift lines to fridges to car part barriers. With over 30,000 engineers working for Openreach they will be working with them to promote key messaging and ensure considerations are made for vulnerable customers.
Sodhi Dillon from BT Consumer set out the regional approach to migration being taken which has been in place since summer 2023. Around 2 million of their customers have been identified as having additional needs and more dependent on the landline so will be migrated at a later date with special support in place.
Gillis Holgersson from DSIT updated on the Government’s work on monitoring, awareness raising and coordinating. Guidance has been published on their website and further information to Local Authorities is forthcoming.
Tom Sheffield from Sheffield Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust reflected on the Trust’s experience and from their own switchover experience and advised a three step approach – to audit line usage, to think of the wants and needs and then the operational change. Framing it as a Spend to Save project, the upgrade can bring big savings.
Rounding off the speakers was Mark Williams from the LGA who set out the common themes of their work: communications, data sharing, testing and funding. He highlighted the Switchover hub on the LGA website where a series of tools and resources for local authorities was available.
Further events will be organized by techUK with the next focusing on public sector and local authorities – date tbc in March.
You can watch the recording of the briefing below.
Jaynesh Patel
Jaynesh Patel is Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, leading the Communications Infrastructure and Services Programme at techUK and overseeing the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Josh Turpin
Josh joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Telecoms and Net Zero in August 2024.
Matthew Wild
Matthew joined techUK in August 2023 as a Programme Assistant, supporting the Communications Infrastructure programme, as well as the Digital Connectivity and Spectrum Policy Fora.
Tales Gaspar
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
Sarah Shepherd
Sarah Shepherd heads up the recently established Digital Phone Switchover function which is housed within techUK.
