Digital lines need power
Digital landlines need mains electricity, so they will not work in a power cut unless there is a battery back-up. Your mobile phone is usually a practical alternative for calling 999 in a power cut.
If you rely on your landline
If you rely on your landline to call 999 — for example because you have no mobile phone, no reliable mobile signal at home, or you use a telecare alarm — please tell us before you switch. We will give you a free solution, such as a suitable battery back-up for the equipment we install, so you can still call 999 for at least one hour in a power cut. Always be ready to tell the operator where you are. Emergency services may be sent to the address we hold for your line.
VoIP app and 999
If you use our VoIP App only plan, the app does not connect 999 or 112 calls itself. Dialling 999 or 112 in the app passes the call to your phone’s normal dialler, and your mobile network connects the call. You need a phone with a working SIM. Full detail is on the Digital Phone page.
Telecare and alarms
If you have a telecare device, personal alarm, or another device on your line, tell us when you switch. Also check with the company that supplies or monitors the device whether it works over a digital line. See Alarms, telecare and the digital switchover.