Telephone companies are preparing to switch to digital landlines by 2025, which may mean your landline or broadline changes. You can find out a bit more about the digital switch and what this may mean for you below.
What is the digital switch?
Between now and 2025 most telephone and broadband providers will be moving their customers from old analogue landlines over to new upgraded landline services using digital technology. This will affect LiveWest customers who currently have analogue lines within their homes and communal spaces.
Providers are performing these upgrades to improve the quality of service their customers get.
What could happen?
You may be approached by your current provider or a new provider to install a new line.
There are two types of line available, open or closed. Our preference is for customers to get open lines, as this means any provider can use the line.
If you live in a block or flat, or your property has internal communal areas, LiveWest may only allow a limited number of closed providers to install in the property depending on the height of the building. The reason we’ve made this decision is to reduce the fire risk caused by additional electrical wiring.
How to check if you have an analogue line
If you are not sure if you have an analogue line that will be replaced as part of the switchover, you can check by:
- Checking your bills.
- Asking your provider.
- If you have a fully functional phone where the wire goes directly into the wall without a separate box inside or outside the home, your line is likely to be analogue.
What do you need to do if you have an analogue line?
If you have your own telephone line, internet, CCTV or lifeline alarm that you pay another provider and suspect that it is an analogue line, or if you are not sure, please speak to your provider. They can advise what options are available if you wish to continue using the line.
If we are your provider for your lifeline or any other line, we will be contacting those affected in 2024 to provide you with details of any changes, or modifications to your equipment. Please ensure you allow access for the works so we can keep you safe. Any amendments to your lifeline system will be for analogue lines only.
What do I need to do if I have an analogue line in a communal space?
You do not need to do anything.
If you have a lifeline that you pay for through LiveWest, we will be writing to you directly to arrange an appointment and detail any changes. If you do not receive any notification your lifeline system will not be changing.
We will be working on updating any other lines in communal spaces. Services should continue as normal, and you will be notified if there is to be any planned interruptions whilst we modify our lines.
What are LiveWest’s plans for services affected by the digital switch?
We are reviewing the equipment connected to lines, and in some areas, we are upgrading or replacing equipment in use if the item will be suitable with the new digital line.
Items in communal spaces affected may include lifts or lifting equipment, emergency call lines, pumping stations, CCTV, broadband and lifeline alarms.
We will continue to keep customers updated with more information throughout 2024.