Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what her Department's policy is on the funding arrangements for new telecare devices for people who have telecare devices that are not compatible with new digital landlines.

The Government expects the telecoms industry to ensure that all consumers, particularly the most vulnerable including telecare users, are protected and prepared for the upgrade of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). DSIT receives regular updates from telecoms providers about the progress of their migration and any emerging challenges they face, including regarding the migration of telecare users.

On 14 December, DSIT Ministers convened the UK’s leading telecoms providers to discuss steps to protect the most vulnerable when upgrading their phone lines. These telecoms providers have now signed a Charter committing to concrete measures to protect vulnerable customers, including specific provisions on protecting telecare users. This is a positive step by industry to make sure safety continues to be at the heart of the nationwide switchover.

With regard to telecare systems, lifeline alarm systems or remote ringers, it can be difficult to provide general guidance given the range of devices and providers across these sectors. I therefore cannot state definitively which products will not function over digital landlines, and which will need modifications. Similarly, given there are a multitude of devices and services that rely on the digital connectivity and various ways they may be connected, Government does not have a definitive estimate regarding the cost of the switchover.

We encourage those with equipment that rely on the PSTN, such as businesses or local authorities, to audit their estate and understand if they need to upgrade their devices. DSIT has been working with the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the telecare industry to raise awareness of the migration and to help identify alternatives, while BT and other providers have set up test labs for manufacturers to test their equipment.