BT will hold seven events across Somerset this September to raise awareness of the change from analogue to digital landlines by the end of January 2027.

The events aim to inform customers about the necessary steps they need to take for the switch and the support available to them.

Vicky Hicks, senior engagement manager at BT, said: "We will be visiting Somerset throughout September to speak to our customers face-to-face and answer any questions they may have about the essential upgrade from analogue to digital landlines.

"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.

"On average, we prevent 15,000 scam calls a day from reaching our customers."

The events will be held in the car parks of Morrisons stores in Yeovil, Taunton, Weston-super-Mare, and Bath on specific dates throughout September.

  • Yeovil, September 17 and 18 - 10am to 4pm                                                              Morrisons carpark, Lysander Road, Yeovil, BA20 2AU
  • Taunton, September 23 and 24 - 10am to 4pm                                                              Morrisons carpark, Priory Bridge Road, Taunton, TA1 1DX 
  • Weston-super-Mare, September 25 and 26 - 10am to 4pm                                          Morrisons carpark, Locking Castle, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 7AY    
  • Bath, September 27 - 10am to 4pm                                                                    Morrisons carpark, York Place, Bath, BA1 6AN       

(Image: BT)

The move to digital phonelines, mostly involving calls made over a broadband line, is being fast-tracked by telecom providers as the 40-year-old analogue technology is becoming more unreliable.

BT has also announced a new battery back-up unit for customers, ensuring digital calls can be made during power outages.

This battery will be available free of charge to customers with additional needs.

BT has also outlined improvements to protect vulnerable customers, ensuring those with additional needs or using telecare systems won't be switched until Spring 2025 at the earliest.

This allows time for necessary support arrangements to be put in place.

The company also plans to offer a dedicated landline service for non-broadband users from this autumn, allowing them to continue using their landline until a digital solution is available, or until 2030, if that comes sooner.

BT is collaborating with local authorities, the telecare industry, and government bodies to identify vulnerable customers and ensure they receive the support needed for the upcoming switch.

For more information on the digital landline switch, visit the BT website.