Converting our analogue phone network to digital

Telephone exchanges are going to stop using the old equipment that was last updated in the 1980s. The move will be from analogue to digital lines, which means everyone’s home and work landlines will then need to use a router.

This change will also impact anything that uses a phone line such as intruder alarms, Telecare devices, lift alarms, ATMs, lines used for water, gas and electricity monitoring services and others.

Openreach, who run the lines which the Council uses, are upgrading the network and installing miles of glass fibre lines to replace the old copper network. Fibre uses light instead of sound to transmit calls and data, so is much faster and more reliable.

How will this impact me and what do I need to do?

This will affect everyone whether that is in your home as a resident or as part of your business. Your telecoms provider should contact you before the switchover to discuss what you need to do to make sure your service isn't interrupted.

How does this impact the Council?

At Lewisham Council, we have telephone lines and services that will be directly affected by this switch-over, whether they are standard telephone lines in our offices, IDSN, or things like fax machines or alarms (intruder, fire and lift alarms used in our buildings), or other services we provide to residents, like Telecare devices.

Work is ongoing in the Council to plan ahead to minimise the impact of this change, and the residents who it affects the most can expect to hear from us directly about it.

Where can I find out more about the changes taking place? 

There is more information about the digital switchover on the UK Government website. 

If you are a business, there is information for businesses about the digital switchover on the Openreach website. 

These changes are being undertaken by Openreach and your telephone provider, therefore Lewisham Council are unable to assist you directly with any queries.