Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what estimate she has made of how many households are affected by the retirement of the public switched telephone Network; and what steps she is taking with telecommunications providers to support vulnerable people so affected.

According to Ofcom’s latest figures, as of August 2023, more than 50% of the UK’s 30 million premises have already been moved from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The remaining phone lines will be moved by the telecoms industry in a phased migration between now and the end of 2025.

Ofcom is responsible for ensuring telecoms providers adhere to their regulatory obligations throughout the migration process, which includes protecting vulnerable consumers. Ofcom has published guidance which states that providers must take steps to identify at-risk consumers who are dependent on their landline and provide them with additional support.

Providers have a range of solutions to ensure vulnerable consumers receive additional support. These options include, for example: free battery back-up units; engineer supported installations; or hybrid landline phones. The Government is working together with Ofcom to ensure customers receive appropriate support and are protected throughout the migration.

My Department meets regularly with Communications Providers to monitor their migration process, and to ensure adequate provisions are in place to protect vulnerable consumers. This includes, but is not limited to, quarterly progress meetings with individual providers, quarterly meetings with all government departments/agencies, and monthly meetings with Ofcom.