A few constituents have got in touch with concerns about the changeover to Digital on our landlines. This is something I’ve raised in Parliament following Storm Arwen. As someone living in Weardale, I completely understand the anxieties.
Last year, I got BT to pause the programme for our area until they came up with a viable alternative to ensure no one would ever lose a connection. This is not something I could support if people would be left without contact if another emergency like Storm Arwen battered the area and we lost digital connectivity.
At least one option must now be in place that enables access to emergency organisations in the event of a power cut. Any solution must be made available free of charge to customers who providers determine are reliant on their landline to make emergency calls during a power cut.
Please read the following guidance for more information: https://www.gov.uk/.../uk-transition-from-analogue-to...
With NPG's support packages, we now have adaptable generators right across the constituency which will also help people get through a power cut.
I am glad that these safeguards are in place to ensure nobody could be adversely affected. I am a firm believer in fixing the roof while the sun shines, so I’m pleased with all this good groundwork.
Go to the link to see me raising it in Parliament here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/msjBBXAyGUxGvAeJ/?mibextid=KsPBc6