Landline switch could cut off remote areas in emergencies, MPs warn
MPs are warning that the planned switchover from copper phone lines to digital landlines could leave those living in remote areas without a way to call for help in emergencies. The MPs, who represent rural constituencies, raised their concerns with security minister Dan Jarvis.
The move to an internet-based network is due to be completed by the end of next January. The government says the change is needed because the traditional analogue network is becoming less reliable.
However, the switch could cause problems when the power is out. The current copper lines still work during power cuts, but digital landlines depend on routers that need mains power.
Torcuil Crichton, Labour MP for the Western Isles, pointed out that islanders often lose their phone, internet and mobile signal during power cuts. Although some providers offer their most vulnerable customers back-up battery packs, these only keep landline phones running for roughly an hour, which Crichton said is “simply not adequate”.
MPs from the West Country and the Lake District have raised similar concerns. Penrith and Solway MP Markus Campbell-Savours asked the minister to consider elderly individuals who live alone in isolated areas and cannot call for help when both their battery and local mobile mast fail.
Conservative MP Julian Lewis drew attention to the lack of a back-up system in the event of a cyber attack knocking out digital services.
Jarvis said that he would take a closer look at the issue, adding that the topic would be addressed at the upcoming government resilience summit in Cornwall. He promised that concerns about telecoms firms would also be raised with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The warning comes as the government’s Be Ready campaign continues to urge households to stock supplies to prepare for emergencies.