Does anybody know whether EE customers are affected by BT going digital?

[Mustrum · Accepted solution]

@BB181   it is not just BT going Digital. All of the analogue phone network is closing.

EE have recently announced that they will switch their cistomers to Digital where available. Have a look here, and let us know if you have any questions.

https://ee.co.uk/help/home-phone/getting-started/introducing-digital-home-phone 

[XRaySpeX]

All landline users are affected by Openreach going digital, i.e. they close down the PSTN, the analogue volce network. 

[BB181]

Thanks Mark

[XRaySpeX]

Thanks! You're welcome 🙂 ! Glad I could be of assistance & trust it is now sorted.

[RAS]

Hi, I've just called EE because I've been reading that the East Midlands (where I live) has been switched over.  I'm very concerned because I live in an extremely poor mobile coverage area so if the power does down and I lose wi-fi, I can't use the landline and I can't use the mobile.  Hubby and I are both no longer young and very, very worried.  My call to EE was so unhelpful and I'm not sure correct.  The young man said that EE had no plans to go digital just yet as EE does not have the technology and its probably only BT that is going digital.  I did point out everything that's in the press, BT's own statements etc. etc. that the whole country is being switched over, by 2025, and that the East Midlands had been done (according to what I've read).  I've heard about a battery backup system for power outages and again the young man really didn't know what I was talking about.  Perhaps their tech support isn't up to speed, I don't know but could you please tell me (if you know) exactly what the current situation is, how I will get notified and what happens to elderly couples like us when the power goes down.  Really appreciate any help you can provide as I am quite worried.

Thanks in advance

[Mustrum]

@RAS   Have you looked to see what EE services are available in your area? Try https://ee.co.uk/broadband/wifi-controls  or via MyEE and see if they have any offers available.

When is your current contract due for renewal?

[RAS]

Hi, thanks for the response but I think you might have misunderstood me.  I'm with EE and have been for many years for landline and broadband.  No plans to change at present.  Its all the talk in the media about switching off analogue and going digital that is concerning me.  I rely on my landline,  my husband is 80, I'm 65, I have a mobile but live in a very poor signal area so I have to drive around half a mile away from my home to use it.  When we're digital and the power goes down, my landline won't work and my mobile is useless because of the signal.  What I need to find out is what plans EE has for the switchover - when, how etc.  I read about elderly and vulnerable people and those without mobiles / poor coverage will be offered a solution by way of a battery back up for power outages.  My 90 year old Aunt who lives in Leicester has just been switched over and suffered 10 days without landline service.  All she was told was she's in a queue to resolve problem.  Hardly ideal for elderly and vulnerable people.  So I really just need to understand what EE as my service provider is going to do to support me at the switchover, and when its going to happen.  As I said on my original post, the young man I spoke to at EE really didn't have a clue - to the point where he said EE has no plans to switch to digital and I kept pointing out to him that EE won't have a choice from what I can see.  BT / Openreach is making it all happen.

[James_B]

Hi @RAS,

The switchover is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 - please see Introducing Digital Home Phone | Home Phone Help | EE for more information.

When switching, you'll be able to have a battery backup system for your router to keep you connected in the event of a power outage.

This will mean your landline will still work, as will your mobile if it supports WiFi Calling.

Hope this helps. 🙂

James