Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of BTs move from copper wire landlines to mobile voice systems on rural businesses.

The transition from the old analogue landline network, also known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), to new Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which delivers voice calls over an internet connection, is industry led. Importantly, landlines are not being withdrawn, but their underlying technology is changing from PSTN to VoIP.

VoIP is more resistant to severe weather as the cables used are waterproof, and less prone to damage during a storm or other severe weather events. The PSTN lines are often in the air and fail during storm weather.

The Government has received a number of representations from MPs enquiring about the steps been taken to improve mobile connectivity in rural areas because of concerns over the impact of the PSTN switch-off. As well as maintaining our commitment to our target of 95% of the UK geography being covered by 4G, our ambition is for all populated areas, including rural communities, to have higher-quality standalone 5G by 2030.

The Government is engaging regularly with the telecoms industry to ensure consumers and sectors, including rural businesses, are protected and prepared for the upgrade process throughout the UK. A definition of vulnerable customers who may require additional support in the context of the PSTN switch-off was published in November 2024. It includes those who are telecare users and those dependent on their landline, including in rural communities.