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Written question asked by Lord Clement-Jones (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 29 April 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 May 2025. It was answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 May 2025 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Voice over Internet Protocol

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of any disparity in treatment between landline-only customers and those with broadband packages by BT’s Digital Voice rollout; and whether those with copper broadband will be able to terminate their broadband contract and retain a copper landline for telephone use only.

Answer

No assessment of any disparity in treatment has been made. It will not be possible to retain a copper landline for telephone use only. From April 2024 to March 2025, there were over 2,600 major incidents on the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), each affecting 500 or more customers. The decision to upgrade the PSTN has been taken by industry and is a necessity.

The PSTN migration does not affect the universal service obligations in the Electronic Communications Order 2003 which require the designated providers (BT and KCOM) to offer landline-only services throughout the UK. It is therefore possible to order a Voice over Internet Protocol landline without purchasing a general internet connection.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL7003
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Contracts Broadband Exemptions Voice over internet protocol
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk