Digital Landline Switch Halted for Vulnerable Users in UK

UK- based phone companies have halted vulnerable customers from switching to digital landlines following “serious incidents” where telecare devices stopped working. These devices, which can be used to call for assistance in an emergency, are estimated to be utilized by about two million individuals.

There are situations where digital landlines can malfunction, like a power outage. According to a charter that phone carriers have ratified, customers may only switch from analog to digital lines if doing so has no effect on telecare. 

The UK is currently transitioning to digital landlines, a process that primarily entails replacing equipment at exchanges rather than in individual homes. Although information on the switchover has been made public by telecom firms and Ofcom, the industry watchdog, some people who rely on their analog landline are concerned. 

After taking notice of the incidents where the telecare devises failed, Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan contacted telecom firms, including Sky, BT, Virgin Media O2 and TalkTalk.

The companies have come to an agreement on a new charter, whereby they promise not to move clients to a digital network until they are certain that they will be safe. Donelan stated that phone companies “agreed that the right thing to do is to temporarily pause all non-voluntary, managed migrations to a digital landline where there is any risk that a customer’s telecare service will not continue to work.”

Content was cut in order to protect the source.Please visit the source for the rest of the article.

This article has been indexed from CySecurity News – Latest Information Security and Hacking Incidents

Read the original article: