Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Viscount Camrose on 5 April (HL6987, HL6988, HL6989 and HL6990), how at-risk customers, such as the chronically sick and disabled, who will receive additional support during their migration process under the Digital Voice programme, were identified by BT; and how many at-risk customers they identified in total.

While the number of at-risk customers BT have identified is commercially confidential, BT has developed a range of solutions to help ensure all of its customers, including those who are chronically ill, disabled or require additional support in another way, can have confidence in moving to and using the new home phone service. These options include, among others, free battery back-up units to engineer supported installations or hybrid landline phones. BT will provide the router and a Digital Voice adapter free of charge, on request to customers that need it.

The exact configuration of support each customer will require will vary depending on their specific needs. Customers wishing to contact BT by phone can do so at any time on 0800 800 150 to discuss their specific requirements. Additionally, further information about the range of support on offer is available on the BT website. Other Communications Providers offer similar services. If any customer needs any additional support or if they have additional needs, BT will arrange for an engineer to make a home visit.