Landlines are changing. By January 2027, traditional landlines will be upgraded with digital technology.

Known as the Digital Switchover, this transition will make services more future-proof, reliable, and ready to support modern digital communications. However, some people – particularly older and more vulnerable residents – may need support in understanding and managing the change.

To ensure that no one is left behind, Connecting Cambridgeshire has launched Get Ready, Go Digital, Stay Connected – a dedicated awareness and support campaign to help residents get ready. 

Who is affected by the Digital Switchover?

The switchover will mainly affect:

• People without an internet connection at home.
• Those who rely on a traditional landline not already upgraded to a digital phone service.
• Users of telecare and personal alarm systems, e.g fall monitors or lifelines. 

What is the Digital Switchover?

The UK’s telephone network is undergoing an upgrade that will result in phone calls using an internet connection to make digital, or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), phone calls. This will offer clearer call quality, better security, and more features for users.

For many, the switchover will be straightforward and will involve simply plugging their phone into a broadband router instead of a traditional phone socket. Telephone service providers are responsible for upgrading customers to the new technology. However, all Cambridgeshire residents are being encouraged to contact their phone provider and check if, and how, the digital switchover might affect them.

What do residents need to do?

• Check if the change affects you.
  Your phone provider should get in touch ahead of the switch, but residents are encouraged to proactively call their phone company to find out how they might be affected.
  > Call the Customer Service number on a recent phone bill or look it up on your phone provider’s website.
  
  
• Be aware of scams.
  The switchover does not require any upfront payments. Be cautious of contact from someone claiming to be your phone provider.
  > Verify calls, don’t make rush decisions and report scams.
  
  
• Support vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours.
  Many older people may feel unsure or worried about this change. Is there someone you can support?
  > A little help from the community can make a big difference. Ask for help if you need it, or offer support if you can. 

Local libraries and community champions providing information hubs for vulnerable residents

Advertising space has been secured on the four mobile libraries making over 500 stops at villages and communities across the district, helping to increase overall visibility of the campaign.

The key action to “check how and if the digital switchover affects you” is also being spread through connections with other local community support groups and organisations. Furthermore, the team will be attending a number of events in the coming months, giving residents the opportunity to talk to someone face to face about the Digital Switchover.

Essential information about the switchover – particularly useful for those wanting to support friends and family – is available on our Digital Switchover pages where you can access:

📌 A simple guide to the Digital Switchover
📌 FAQs and a jargon-free glossary
📌 Advice on how to contact your phone provider
📌 Information on how to spot and avoid scams
📌 Details about the events the team will be attending and offering face to face support

How Connecting Cambridgeshire is helping

The Digital Switchover is part of a national campaign now underway across the UK, including recent TV adverts and media coverage. Connecting Cambridgeshire’s Get Ready, Go Digital, Stay Connected campaign is taking a locally focused approach to ensure residents don’t miss out on the information and support they need. 

“We know that for many people, especially older residents, their landline is a vital connection to the world,” says Will Plant, Digital Inclusion Lead at Connecting Cambridgeshire. 

“We want to ensure that no one is left behind during this change. With campaign branding travelling to hundreds of communities on mobile libraries, we’re ensuring the message gets seen in even the most rural spots. By providing clear, practical information and by engaging local communities, we’re helping people feel confident about what’s changing and what they need to do next.

“Phone providers are responsible for upgrading their customers to the new service. By equipping residents with clear information and local support, we aim to ease concerns and ensure a smooth transition – especially for those who rely on their landline as a vital connection.” 

Connecting Cambridgeshire commissioned Keystone, a long-established St Neots-based marketing consultancy, to create and deliver the Get Ready, Go Digital, Stay Connected campaign.

Connectivity consultancy FarrPoint is also working in partnership with Connecting Cambridgeshire to deliver informational webinars and in-person workshops to help businesses navigate the Digital Switchover. Led by principal consultant Steve Smith, the sessions offer clear, practical advice to ensure businesses stay connected and prepared for the changes ahead. Find out more and book your place at either the upcoming in-person or online webinars.