Borders MP John Lamont has expressed concern over plans from communications providers to discontinue its traditional copper wire phone services, known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
The PSTN will be replaced by a new Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. This new digital service will rely on Broadband to connect calls, increasing the service’s vulnerability to power cuts.
Several Borderers have been in contact with Mr Lamont about the proposals, warning that power cuts caused by recent storms in the area underline the need to retain traditional phone services which are unaffected by local power outages.
Mr Lamont passed these concerns on to BT, who provide the majority of telephone services in the Borders. In response, BT acknowledged the concerns that were raised and agreed to postpone the rollout of its ‘Digital Voice’ scheme.
Nonetheless, they insist that these changes will be made by all providers eventually, raising further questions over the provisions they will make to keep customers connected during power outages.
John Lamont MP said:
“I am very grateful to those living in rural areas in the Borders who flagged up this important issue to me.
“Recent storms have highlighted the need to maintain a level of resilience in our communications infrastructure. Without this, people suffering power outages will be unable to contact anyone in case of emergency. This cannot be allowed to happen
“I have been engaging with BT, OFCOM and the Minister for Digital Infrastructure on behalf of those who contacted me about this issue.
“I am pleased that BT recently announced they would be postponing plans to decommission its copper wire phone services in response to the concerns that have been raised. Having passed on this to concerned residents, I know that they are very relieved by this decision.
“Nonetheless, I would like to see them go further by setting out plans to ensure customers will still be able to contact whoever they need to during power outages.”
