← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Digital Landlines: Rural Communities
02 April 2025
Lead MP
Damian Hinds
East Hampshire
Con
Responding Minister
Chris Bryant
Tags
No tags
Word Count: 5082
Other Contributors: 15
At a Glance
Damian Hinds raised concerns about digital landlines: rural communities in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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.
Discussed issues with mobile connectivity and the reliability of Ofcom's reports on coverage. Emphasised the importance of resilience in mobile technology.
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.
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.
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
Government Response
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.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.