Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Digital Landlines: Rural Communities

02 April 2025 · 15 other contributors · 5,082 words

Opened by Damian Hinds Con East Hampshire

Responding minister: Chris Bryant

Agriculture & Rural AffairsEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Damian Hinds raised concerns about digital landlines: rural communities in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Transition from analogue to digital landlines raises concerns about resilience and accessibility in rural areas.
  • Constituents, especially the elderly, worry about losing communication means during power outages.
  • Government urged to identify and assist vulnerable residents during the digital landline transition.

Key requests to Government

The Government should take a more proactive role in ensuring that vulnerable residents are identified and assisted through the transition to digital landlines, potentially expanding data-sharing agreements with local authorities and housing associations. The Minister should also consider ways to address connectivity issues for areas where commercial fibre delivery is not planned.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Damian Hinds Con East Hampshire

The transition from analogue telephony to digital landlines raises concerns about resilience, scalability, and flexibility. The roll-out of VoIP is an industry-led initiative but the issues it brings are societal and regulatory in nature. Issues such as electricity cut-outs and storms pose problems for those reliant on landlines, especially in rural areas where mobile phone signals may be poor or non-existent. Constituents have expressed concerns about losing their means of contact during power cuts, particularly elderly individuals who rely heavily on their landline connections.

Other contributors (15)
  • Ann Davies PC Caerfyrddin

    Expressed concerns about the digital switchover's impact on rural businesses and areas where commercial fibre delivery is not planned, urging for a more proactive Government role to ensure equitable connectivity.

  • Ben Maguire LD North Cornwall

    Shared a tragic case where a 99-year-old lady died after her personal alarm failed to function due to storm-induced power cuts, advocating for Ofcom to have stronger regulatory powers over communication companies.

  • Chris Bryant

    Discussed issues with mobile connectivity and the reliability of Ofcom's reports on coverage. Emphasised the importance of resilience in mobile technology.

  • Damian Hinds

    Argued that the debate should include concerns beyond just vulnerable groups, stressing the need for reliable mobile coverage even indoors for emergency calls.

  • David Smith Lab North Northumberland

    Suggested leaving at least one copper wire line at a community building during switchover, especially in emergencies.

  • Esther McVey Con Wyre and Preston North

    Stressed the need for connection to the internet for rural businesses to pay for things online, using a landline for automation. Asked for reassurances about the copper network's condition and whether the switchover can be delayed. Pressed for a response from the Minister regarding specific concerns about migration and system changes.

  • Graham Leadbitter SNP Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey

    Described the impact of Storm Arwen on north Scotland where communities were without power for over a week due to storm damage.

  • Helen Morgan LD North Shropshire

    Called for greater Government leadership in building awareness and identifying vulnerable individuals who may be at risk during emergencies such as power cuts.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Highlighted the challenges faced by those in rural and coastal areas due to disruptions caused by storms, emphasizing the importance of reliable telephony for emergency services.

  • Joe Morris Lab Hexham

    Agreed that better communication, including industry-led communication, is crucial for getting this right in rural communities.

  • John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk

    Highlighted the importance of network resilience following storm damage to mobile phone masts in his constituency.

  • Richard Foord LD Honiton and Sidmouth

    Highlighted the need for broadband in remote rural areas to support telecare devices.

  • Sarah Dyke LD Glastonbury and Somerton

    Stressed the serious risks posed by rapid switch to digital landlines, particularly for more vulnerable residents in rural areas, citing an example of a constituent who was left without power and phone service.

  • Ashley Fox Con Bridgwater

    Asked if it was prudent to pause the switching-off of landlines until there is an effective technology for rural areas.

  • Steve Barclay Con North East Cambridgeshire

    Clarified that previous Ministers were briefed to say industry was leading, questioned data gaps addressed by the Minister.

Government Response

Chris Bryant

The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms

Acknowledged copper network failures increasing daily; confirmed full list of vulnerable customers from local authorities provided; mentioned resilience measures like longer battery backup times introduced.

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