Vital telecare equipment used by nearly two million older and
disabled people, as well as traffic lights and cash machines,
could cease to operate unless councils get more support with
preparing for the upgrade to next-generation digital networks.
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which is based on
copper wires, will be switched off by 2025 as the UK’s telecoms
infrastructure is upgraded to digital connectivity. Some devices
including traffic light management systems and ATM machines will
need to be reconnected, upgraded or replaced altogether so they
can be used on the new network.
The Local Government Association - which represents councils in
England and Wales - said that other services which rely on the
existing copper wire network, such as personal alarms and
telephone handsets used by older and disabled people to live
independently at home, are at risk unless more is done to help
with the switchover to new fibre broadband.
It says government plans such as Project Gigabit to ensure
everyone can access fast and reliable broadband will encourage
the digital rollout, but this could be undermined if existing
devices cannot connect to the latest equipment or are not
replaced.
While the upgrading of the privately-owned PSTN is being
undertaken by the telecoms industry, the LGA says councils need
greater support with data sharing, testing, awareness and funding
to prepare their residents for the switchover, alongside better
coordination from government.
Keeping data safe and preventing it from being sold on are among
the issues raised by councils. An exclusive survey by the LGA
found almost 40 per cent of councils responding do not yet know
how they will pay for the move to digital telecare, in the wake
of local government funding reductions over the last decade.
Councils are also concerned about a huge lack of awareness among
residents about the incoming changes and the need for government
to spread the message through communications campaigns, including
adequate funding to support the above.
They also are demanding reassurance from telecoms providers that
they will do all they can to support their vulnerable customers
through the switchover process and beyond, including ensuring
power back-up support to keep devices running when PSTN is
switched off.
Cllr Mark Hawthorne, LGA Digital Connectivity spokesperson, said:
“Councils have a critical role to play in the digital switchover
which is fast approaching and will impact on a whole range of
vital services, including in adult social care.
“Our survey shows that unless action is taken now to support
councils to help their residents and suppliers with this change,
we face the prospect of serious disruption to people’s lives,
including most urgently those who use personal devices such as
alarms and fall detectors to stay safe in their own homes.
“While we want to see every part of the country benefit from the
digital rollout, we need to make sure no one is left behind and
potentially at risk, whether it be someone living at home on
their own in need of support, or people going about their daily
lives waiting at the traffic lights or withdrawing cash from an
ATM.
“Expanding high-speed digital access is essential to economic
growth, but it should not be at the expense of those who are
older and more vulnerable, who rely on their devices and other
services to maintain their independence, safety and wellbeing.”
Notes to Editors
A copy of the Digital Switch Readiness Survey is available on
request.
LGA: Digital
switchover
