The fourth named storm of the winter, Storm Darragh, recently wreaked havoc across the country, bringing down trees, blocking roads, causing train cancellations, and, inevitably, leading to widespread power cuts.
Whilst it wasn’t the worst storm we’ve seen in recent years, it certainly felt close. At the height of the storm, over 250,000 homes across the UK were without power, including parts of East Hampshire. As reported in this paper, some of the worst-hit areas experienced power outages for over 12 hours.
Storm Darragh serves as a stark reminder of why the copper landline must remain operational until a reliable backup solution for digital landlines (or 'VOIP') is in place. For those who regularly read this column, you’ll know this is an issue I revisit often. Some readers may be unfamiliar with VOIP, while others might wonder what all the fuss is about, especially if they haven’t had a fixed landline for years (no surprise, given that 98% of Brits now have a mobile phone).
But for those still dependent on traditional landlines, the shift to digital is a major upheaval. In the past, unless the phone line itself was affected, you could still use your landline during a power cut. For those who have already switched to VOIP, this is no longer possible, as digital landlines require power to function.
To make matters worse, people living in areas most prone to power cuts are also often those with poor or no mobile phone signal, patchy broadband, and certainly no full fibre. For these people, the landline is the only reliable means of communication in an emergency.
The rollout of BT’s Digital Voice service initially began in 2021 but was paused a year ago to address concerns about supporting customers who rely heavily on landlines, particularly those with telecare alarms. At the time, I was one of a group of MPs arguing for a better back-up solution for vulnerable customers so I was encouraged to see industry responding to these concerns.
The deadline for switching off the copper exchange has now been extended to January 2027, providing additional time for those who require greater support to make the transition. As part of this extended timeline, mandatory engineer visits for telecare users have been introduced, offering crucial assistance and an added layer of protection during the switchover.
However, the fact remains that better back-up batteries — ones that last longer than an hour — must be included in the package for all customers who depend on their landlines. I can't tell you how many conversations I've had with people who don’t realise that power cuts in rural areas often last much longer than an hour. I have long advocated for this, and I’m encouraged by the efforts of companies like Vodafone, which are producing battery back-ups with significantly longer lifespans.
As storms continue to remind us of how vulnerable we are when the power goes out, it’s crucial that we continue to press industry to implement the right technology before the copper landline is finally switched off.
And finally, in my last column before Christmas, may I take this opportunity to wish all readers of the Herald and Post a very Happy Christmas!
