Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Digital Voice switchover in the first areas of rollout is proceeding in accordance with any undertakings by BT, particularly in terms of communication with regard to: adequate notice to customers, ability to opt out, alternatives to switchover offered and delivered, electric power availability, quality of connection, and clarity about equipment to be provided.

BT are a signatory of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) charter, committing them to protect vulnerable users during the migration. BT, along with other communication providers, are not proactively switching customers to Digital Voice unless they have not used their landline for at least 12 months, though customers can choose to switch at any time. BT provide their customers with at least four weeks of notice, and ensure they have the necessary quality of connection prior to migration. BT does not provide electricity but provide in-home solutions that customers can use in the event of a power outage.