topic Re: Ending of landline phones? in Tech Help - Software/Hardware etc

Ending of landline phones?

christmas — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 20:42:10 GMT

I'm trying to make sense of reports that BT is switching phone lines to use broadband.

"BT has taken the decision to retire the PSTN by December 2025 and other providers plan to follow a broadly similar timescale. This means that in future, landline calls will be delivered over digital technology called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which uses a broadband connection."

Will an existing phone continue to work, or have to be modified or replaced?

Does it mean the landline charge will drop in price, even possibly scrapped?

If someone doesn't already have broadband will they have to pay extra on top of their phone charges?

Re: Ending of landline phones?

Protech — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 22:37:41 GMT

This comprehensive article should answer your questions
https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/broadband/article/digital-voice-and-the-landline-phone-switch-off-what-it-means-for-you-aPSOH8k1i6Vv#why-are-traditional-phone-services-being-taken-away

However you should be aware that Plusnet does not currently offer any digital voice type products.

Re: Ending of landline phones?

christmas — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 23:16:15 GMT

Thank you.

I believe I have a DECT phone and wonder how it would plug into a router, it has the standard phone connections. Will it just be a case of just changing the lead?

Does it mean removing all the copper cable or will the existing cables be used?

Re: Ending of landline phones?

Protech — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 07:45:17 GMT

For example BT routers, Smart hub 2 have a port for phone connection, they also sell an adaptor for their Digital Voice product
https://shop.bt.com/products/bt-digital-voice-adapter-100121-GN1T.html?utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=ZA00&awaid=3043&utm_source=redbrain&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=css&gclid=CjwKCAjw79iaBhAJEiwAPYwoCMflCASBCne00EEPGI1EArUBPPWr2rCA0wkEIClmq5Ad1czgtv7IHBoCYTIQAvD_BwE

Re: Ending of landline phones?

RealAleMadrid — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 09:22:58 GMT

@christmas It is removal of the PSTN service, that is the phone service on copper lines, it does not mean that all the copper lines will be removed, they will be around for many more years. Where full fibre (FTTP) is available copper may be removed or just disconnected, in other areas phone calls use a Voip service using Broadband over existing copper lines.

Re: Ending of landline phones?

christmas — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 09:50:53 GMT

Thank you for the replies...I do prefer devices that are plugged in rather than work through the either.

Re: Ending of landline phones?

Baldrick1 — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 10:38:25 GMT

@christmas

The wireless BT version is an example. hardwired versions are readily available such as https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grandstream-HT-812-2FXS-Gateway-Black/dp/B01M2ZJQAF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1AOZ8FDM4SOO1&keywords=grandstream%2Bht802&qid=1666607812&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjE4IiwicXNhIjoiMC45NiIsInFzcCI6IjAuOTQifQ%3D%3D&s=electronics&sprefix=grandstream%2Celectronics%2C65&sr=1-1&th=1

Re: Ending of landline phones?

christmas — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 11:19:08 GMT

Thank you for the information.

Does the switch to broadband mean I can ditch the current landline and keep the BT phone service using the Plusnet broadband connection or would I have to take out a phone contract with Plusnet?

Sorry for all the questions.

I knew Baldrick when he was in "Who Dares Wins" getting his kit off on a regular basis.