Colleagues are being asked to help members of the community avoid scams around the forthcoming digital switch over. 

By 2025, most telephone providers will move customers will move customers from analogue landline to upgraded landline services that use digital technology.  The switchover in Staffordshire is likely to start in the new year. Home phones and healthcare devices, such as fall pendants will also be eventually switched over. 

Nationally there has been reports of scammers telling older and more vulnerable people including users of healthcare devices that they would be disconnected unless they hand over their personal details including bank details. 

Although the switchover is being led by the telephone industry, Staffordshire County Council is making sure that everyone is aware of the change and committed to helping people be aware of it and get ready. 

Colleagues are being asked to support people to understand what the digital switch over is, to be vigilant and avoid scams.  The key messages are: 

• The digital switchover is free – the council, health providers and telephone providers will never ask for your bank details over the phone
• Don’t panic – no one will be switched off
• Landlines won’t be going away, they’re just being upgraded
• Watch out for communication from your telephone provider – but watch out for scams and report anything suspicious to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040
• Those who may be more vulnerable to the switch over will not be proactively switched over in the first year. These include people:
  • with a health pendant
  • only use landlines
  • with no mobile signal
  • have disclosed additional needs.

However we will be encouraging friends and family of more vulnerable people to help them understand the switchover from new year. 

More information is also available at our dedicated webpages and attached: 

Analogue Switch Off - Gigafast Staffordshire 

Preventing Scams - Gigafast Staffordshire

 A guide to Digital Voice, BT's new home phone service

Digital Voice Slideware PDF

Any questions?  Please contact clare.abbotts@staffordshire.gov.uk