Digital landline switchover leaves remote UK areas at risk during emergencies, MPs warn

Plans to replace traditional copper-wire landlines with internet-based networks by January could leave remote parts of the UK unable to call for help during power cuts. MPs from the Western Isles, the West Country, and the Lake District raised these fears with security minister Dan Jarvis. Traditional landlines work without mains electricity, but digital systems fail when power goes out. Operators provide battery packs that last an hour or more, but MPs say this is not enough during severe storms. Labour MP Torcuil Crichton said mobile signals also fail in storms, leaving isolated residents without communication. Labour MP Markus Campbell-Savours asked the minister how an elderly person alone in the Lake District could raise an alarm if a storm kills their router power and backup battery. Conservative MP Julian Lewis warned about lacking a backup system during cyber attacks or emergencies. Jarvis promised to look closely at the points raised and take up telecoms concerns with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. He also stated that concerns from West Country MPs would be addressed at an upcoming government resilience summit in Cornwall. The government maintains that the switch is necessary because the old analogue network is growing unreliable. Officials note that communication providers must give free backup battery units to vulnerable customers like telecare users.

Context

Major infrastructure updates often face challenges in remote areas where basic services are already fragile. The government's digital switchover aims to modernize communication networks across the country. Residents who have not yet switched to the digital network are advised to contact their landline provider.