Landlines to be phased out as elderly face digital switch

Vulnerable pensioners and disabled people fear they could be left at risk as the UK phases out the landlines they rely on.

- HOLLY EVANS

Telecom companies BT, Sky and Virgin Media are in the process of switching their customers over to a new digital internet-based system. For people like Heather, who has severe osteoarthritis, her landline is a lifeline if she were to become stuck in the lift that helps her move around her Suffolk home.

“I live on my own and I’m very concerned about all this,” she told The Independent. “If I get stuck in the lift or if I become ill for any reason, I need my landline to be able to contact people for help.”

The 71-year-old has struggled with pain in her legs for years and had a knee replacement in 2015 but continues to suffer with discomfort as a result of her condition. Her house was designed to accommodate her needs in 2018, as she is unable to climb stairs easily. Not only does her landline connect her to the outside world, she also uses it as a “safety precaution”.

On a few occasions, her lift has broken down and she once became trapped inside. Thankfully builders working on her property were able to free her but without someone on hand to help, her landline would be her only way to raise the alarm.