Upgrade From Copper To Fibre Optic By Bt

[sddsddean]

Just want to check this.
We have been told by BT that our Panasonic cordless phones will not work with fibre optic, but that we will get 2 new free phones. Is it true that they won't work, or are BT spinning us a line?

[barry1010]

Some phones will work, others won't. Without knowing the model number it is impossible to know but I suspect it is correct as BT are giving you free replacements. What do they gain by lying?

[Buenchico]

It's not the fibre optic cables, per se, that are causing the problem but the technology that goes with them.

BT are doing away with phone calls being routed through cables to the exchange in the conventional way and switching to 'VOIP' (Voice Over Internet Protocol) services, whereby your phones connect to your broadband router, which then sends your calls via the internet.

So only phones that can connect to your home wi-fi will work with the new system. Your cordless phones can't make such a connection, so they'll need replacing.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-58233420

[barry1010]

Many phones will continue to work with a simple adapter.

[barry1010]

Buen, your link states
Old landline phones will still work after the network changes, however.... Handsets will not need replacing either - existing phones will be connected to a different system behind the scenes.

[Buenchico]

A relevant link from BT:
https://www.bt.com/help/landline/digital-voice-migration

[Giggsie]

My cordless phones still work when I got in fibre. But yes you can get new from bt for free. Neighbour got them very fancy got extras on them that mine does not have wish I had taken up the offer now.

[jno]

and yet here you are, Android. Can I get you some Ovaltine?

[barry1010]

This switch is going to cause major problems for some folk and if the Internet is down, so is the landline.

[sddsddean]

Thanks for all the replies. Very helpful.

[237SJ]

I've had quite a few dealings with BT lately and they told me that when everything switches to VOIP they will give out new phone handsets. I was told to phone them to get one so I`m not sure they will offer them as such. The engineer told me that the VOIP handsets will have 4G backup in the event of broadband packing up. Not good if you have no 4G signal though - I have friends that can't even get a mobile signal, let alone 4G.

[237SJ]

I also asked him what would happen with those safecall alarms that vulnerable people wear around their necks as they are connected to the landline. He said the safecall companies are updating their technology to work with the VOIP system.

[barry1010]

A lot of personal care alarms and burglar alarms rely on the old telephone lines, they won't work after the change over.

[Tuvok]

…and not everybody has internet.

[barry1010]

The Internet will be installed where necessary, restricted to phone use only at no extra monthly cost

[gl556tr]

4G?
Isn't that being phased out for 5G?

[Buenchico]

>>> 4G?
Isn't that being phased out for 5G?

No. 3G will be going first, followed later by 2G. (That's because devices such as smart meters currently use 2G). However there are currently no plans to ditch 4G:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-59583783

[Gromit]

5G is a very long way from being nationally available. So they are not going to turn off 4G any time soon.