phone landlines changing in January 2027

My DH's emergency line hasn't worked properly since BT told us, over a year ago, that we had to change the settings. They sent a lovely, very obliging and personable young man (oooh, careful missus!) who made it work. Definitely worth the home-made cheesy walnut biscuits I forced down his throat. Then, several months later, BT told us the same thing again. Then again. Both those times, we had to follow some rather confusing instructions to make it work ourselves (no more personable young men to bake for, boo hoo). The emergency line now takes at least 10 minutes to connect and makes a continuous stream of alarming noises which scare us both out of our wits. I've cancelled the emergency service and bought him a very simple mobile on which he can call 999 if he's in trouble while I'm out. What will eventually happen with the landline is a total mystery to me, but we'll face it when it happens. I just hate the way every "service" these days is more or less forcing us to use mobile phones for every damn thing, in spite of the huge drawbacks...

PamelaJ1

Have you looked through old threads on this site? I think there was a lot of information when this was being talked about some time ago.
I think a phone call to your father’s carelink provider could be useful?
Tizliz has basically said everything.

Thank you so much for everyone's replies. So helpful. xx

Have you looked through old threads on this site? I think there was a lot of information when this was being talked about some time ago.
I think a phone call to your father’s carelink provider could be useful?
Tizliz has basically said everything.

AI can be useful

What Options and Help Are Available?

• BT Home Phone Standard / Non-Broadband Digital Option: Providers like BT offer a home phone service (such as BT Home Phone Standard) at no extra broadband cost if you do not want or have internet access. They will supply a specialized connection box or route your landline through alternative non-broadband digital technology so you can keep your existing handset and phone number.
• Alternative Network Solutions: Specialized suppliers offer non-broadband landline replacements (such as mobile-network-based voice boxes that plug into a standard phone rather than a router or traditional wall socket, e.g., ONSIM).
• Power Cut and Emergency Resilience: Because digital lines require electricity, providers must supply free backup solutions (such as battery back-up units or alternative emergency communication devices) for vulnerable customers or those who are completely dependent on their landline and lack mobile alternatives.

I was going to ask the same. I’ve just had to replace my tv because of the changes and am now worried that I’ll lose my phone, too. I don’t really like using my mobile for long conversations.

Contact BT, they will give you a solution. Mine changed a couple of years ago and I remember this issue in the paperwork I was sent.