Scottish charity People Know How has partnered with BT Group to facilitate 50 events in in rural areas of Scotland, providing people with the information they need to prepare for the upcoming switch to digital landlines.
The UK Telecoms Industry has begun the process to migrate landline users on the PSTN (public switched telephone network) to a digital home phone service.
With the current landline technology becoming harder and more expensive to maintain, telecoms providers are working to upgrade and futureproof the system, which was introduced in 1876, a change many other countries have already made.
BT is migrating customers to its digital solution, Digital Voice, by January 2027. While this may seem far away, they have much to do to make this change. For customers themselves, the switch to Digital Voice requires they connect their home phone handset to a router rather than the phone socket on the wall. Having the right information and additional support where needed is vital, especially for those in one of several vulnerable groups.
To support these groups in Scotland, BT has partnered with People Know How, a charity that runs services and campaigns in Scotland that place people at the centre, making their voices heard to improve their wellbeing, overcome barriers and solve social issues. One of their services, Reconnect, has worked to tackle digital exclusion since 2016, including providing a free national Digital Support Helpline which, alongside providing free support with devices and the internet, can now also be called for free advice and information about the switch-over.
People Know How will facilitate 50 events in rural communities across Scotland to provide people with the information they need to prepare for the PSTN switch-over. Their Digital Support Helpline has also expanded its offerings to include free support and advice with the switch-over. With Scotland home to many rural areas with low mobile signal, older population, and regular power cuts, it is crucial we take action to mitigate any negative effects. To reach these areas, People Know How are working with local organisations that best understand the needs of their communities.
People Know How will facilitate 50 events in rural communities across Scotland to provide people with the information they need to prepare for the PSTN switch-over. With Scotland home to many rural areas with low mobile signal, older population, and regular power cuts, it is crucial we take action to mitigate any negative effects. To reach these areas, People Know How are working with local organisations that best understand the needs of their communities.
The first of these events are set to run in partnership with organisations including One Dalkeith, GoodCall Mobile CIC, North Lanarkshire Council Libraries, and CAC Skills Development Centre, taking place over August and September with a further forty-five events planned for the following months. People Know How is currently open to expressions of interest from community organisations interested in delivering one of these events in local authorities outside of major cities.
For more information about the events and questions about the change to digital landlines contact Scotland’s free Digital Support Helpline at