Two Perthshire villages next for phone switchover

Impacted residents urged to prepare

Residents in two Perthshire villages are being asked to prepare themselves for the national telephone switchover after being included in Openreach’s next tranche of transitions from dated analogue systems.

The UK’s home phone network is changing, with ageing copper phone networks - which are costly to maintain - being switched over to modern Digital Voice systems, with the process to completed by 31st January 2027.

The Kinloch Rannoch and Blacklunans exchanges are amongst the next group of 112 exchange areas to be transitioned over and residents using landlines are being encouraged to prepare in advance.

Ageing infrastructure

This new tranche of staged migrations will impact 554,918 premises overall and will begin from 20th August.

Providers believe misconceptions about the process are circulating and are urging impacted residents to read the available information which debunks some myths.

Users who still need landlines to connect with family and friends and conduct household affairs fear losing their existing number and current equipment whilst protocols in the event of power cuts is an issue which has also been raised.

Ask questions

Bryn Thompson, Director of Phonely, a UK provider of digital landline services, said: “For many households across Perthshire, the home phone is still an important part of everyday life.

“The good news is that, for most people, it’s possible to keep both the number they’ve had for years and the handset they’re familiar with.

“The important thing is to understand what’s changing before your provider gets in touch, rather than leave everything until the last minute.”

Communications providers will contact customers before they are migrated, giving people time to ask questions.

In most cases, people can keep existing numbers and handsets (with the right equipment). Broadband and home phone lines don’t necessarily have to be with the same provider and those with a telecare alarm or pendant should check what the changes mean with their provider.

Find out more about the Digital switchover, click here.