Northumberland County Council is reaching out to residents to ensure they are prepared for the national digital switchover. 
 

Led by the UK telecommunications industry, the transition will see a shift from the old analogue landline system to upgraded digital services. 
 

By December 2025, services relying on the outdated analogue landline systems, including amplified phones for those with hearing loss, personal telecare products, fall and motion detectors, and portable healthcare devices like ECG or oxygen monitors, will undergo this digital upgrade.  
 

For those with telecare services, the digital switchover has significant implications and anyone using these services are being urged to assess how the switchover will impact them and take necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition, minimising any potential disruptions to their care. 
 

Many residents are already adapting to the change, and, for some the process is as straightforward as plugging their home phone into the broadband router rather than the traditional wall socket.  
 

In the event of a power outage digital landlines will not function and while mobile phones can still be used, individuals without an alternative means of contacting emergency services should contact their telecoms provider and request a solution to enable emergency calls. 
 

Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Deputy Leader at Northumberland County Council and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services said: “The safety of our residents is our top priority and whilst this is being led by our UK telecoms providers the Council has a duty of care to our residents to ensure they have all the information they need to upgrade to digital services.  
 

“This is an ongoing process, and this new network will provide a more reliable and dependable service, but we need to make sure no one is left behind and that our services remain fully operational. 
 

“I would urge anyone using, or if anyone knows of someone using, telecare services to ensure they have the right systems in place.” 
 

Telecommunications providers, including major companies such as Virgin Media, O2 and BT, are expected to contact customers ahead of the switchover to ensure their services remain unaffected.  
 

The Council is also urging people to be aware of scams, such as third parties claiming to be acting on behalf of their suppliers. Please only use known routes to contact your providers. For example, telephone numbers and contact details on your bills. 
 

The Council remains committed to keeping residents informed and supported throughout the digital switchover process.  
 

For further information and assistance, residents are encouraged to contact their telecoms provider for guidance on how to navigate the transition seamlessly.