topic Re: How Keep Existing Landline? in Home Phone

How Keep Existing Landline?

MyDad — Fri, 31 May 2024 17:18:33 GMT

My elderly almost blind Dad doesn't have (and can't use a mobile). He has a PlusNet phone and broadband deal. He has been offered a renewal deal. How do I ensure that on renewal he keeps his landline which he uses to contact his carers as well as his (non fibre) broadband.
Thanks

Re: How Keep Existing Landline?

bmc — Fri, 31 May 2024 17:37:44 GMT

@MyDad

If you are a registered person on the account give the PlusNet Customer Options Team on 0800 013 2632. PN currently do allow re-contracting on exactly the same package.

You should be looking at VOIP alternatives now so you're in a position to move the phone service when PN finally pull the plug. Only good thing you should get reasonable notice of this.

Is your father registered with PN as a vunerable person?

Brian

Re: How Keep Existing Landline?

HPsauce — Fri, 31 May 2024 17:42:32 GMT

@MyDad said "My elderly almost blind Dad doesn't have (and can't use a mobile). "

Are you aware that mobile phones exist that are almost exactly like landline handsets?

Also RNIB and other charities can give advice on suitable devices/handsets.

Some of this stuff is really clever: Mobile Phones | RNIB

Re: How Keep Existing Landline?

Protech — Fri, 31 May 2024 18:09:16 GMT

https://community.plus.net/t5/Home-Phone/Keeping-PSTN-landline/td-p/1972217/jump-to/first-unread-message

Re: How Keep Existing Landline?

MyDad — Fri, 31 May 2024 19:01:14 GMT

No but next time I visit I'll make sure he is. Thanks for the reminder

Re: How Keep Existing Landline?

MyDad — Fri, 31 May 2024 19:02:04 GMT

Yes but at 90+ with only one arm he likes what he knows already!!

Re: How Keep Existing Landline?

Protech — Fri, 31 May 2024 20:10:34 GMT

@MyDad
I would agree with you and try to keep his current landline going for as long as possible.

FWIW I've set up an Alexa device for a bedbound partially sighted friend.

One feature is that if you have a Vodafone or EE mobile number it can be linked to the Alexa device and calls can be made and received via voice control.

Re: How Keep Existing Landline?

G6JPG-0 — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 09:24:59 GMT

As @bmc says, it seems you can renew an existing contract, but only by 'phone. Do that for now.

Also as @bmc says, you should be looking into VoIP, since the POTS will be turned off by late 2025 (or possibly postponed to 2027).

As far as your Dad is concerned, if you/he get an ATA (analogue telephone adapter - a box that goes between the 'phone and the router; the commonest one is about four inches square), VoIP should appear to be the old landline continued - i. e. he can continue to use the 'phone he's used to. (There may be minor differences, such as a different dial tone, though I gather some of those can be tweaked.) The contract will be different - it will either be a separate one with a VoIP provider, or you'll move the entire package to someone that do both broadband and VoIP (BT, A&A, and Zen I know of; PlusNet so far are only going to do the broadband part). If you look after that side of things for your Dad, he shouldn't see any difference (unless you leave PlusNet altogether and he has a PlusNet email address).