People in Cornwall will be able to have the chance to discuss their thoughts and concerns on plans to switch phone lines to digital.

BT has recently announced an update to its timetable for moving all customers off the analogue Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and onto digital landlines by the end of January 2027.

The telecommunications provider is outlining a series of improvements to better protect ‘vulnerable customers’, and those with additional needs, including telecare users.

In a bid to raise awareness in Cornwall, BT will be holding six events across the Duchy this September, where customers can speak to experts, ask questions, and watch demonstrations.

This will bring new benefits like advanced spam call blocking 

Vicky Hicks, Senior Engagement Manager at BT

Vicky Hicks, Senior Engagement Manager at BT, said: “We will be visiting Cornwall throughout September to speak to our customers face-to-face and answer any questions they may have about the essential upgrade from analogue to digital landlines.

“The landline is here to stay, and for many customers, making the switch simply means plugging your phone into a broadband router instead of into a wall-mounted phone socket.

"This will bring new benefits like advanced spam call blocking. On average, we prevent 15,000 scam calls a day from reaching our customers.”

Vicky explained that following upgrades to the South West’s broadband infrastructure, the vast majority of homes and businesses have access to superfast broadband.

She said: “More than one million can now get ultrafast, full-fibre broadband using the Openreach network. This means most of our customers won’t experience much of a difference in their service when they make the switch.

BT has also stated that it is working with local authorities, the telecare industry and government bodies to ensure vulnerable customers are identified and can be supported with the necessary steps to make the upgrade in the future.

The company also announced plans to offer a dedicated landline service for customers who don’t use broadband from the Autumn. This will allow customers to use their landlines in the same way as they do today until a digital solution becomes available, or 2030 if that comes sooner.

The following are the times and dates of the events across Cornwall this September:

Newquay: September 2-3 |10am – 4pm

Morrisons carpark, Treloggan Road, Newquay, TR7 2GZ

Penzance: September 4|10am to 4pm

Morrisons carpark, Eastern Way, Longrock, Penzance, TR18 3RF

Falmouth: September 5 |10am to 4pm

Falmouth Library, Municipal Offices, The Moor, Falmouth, TR11 3QA

Looe: September 6 | 10am to 4pm

Millpool carpark by Library, Looe, PL13 2AH

Bude: September 17 |10am to 4pm     

Morrisons carpark, Stucley Road, Bude, EX23 8UA

For more information visit: https://www.bt.com/digital-voice