We wanted to update you today with a few developments...we have been working hard to get this petition heard in our community via various different online platforms, as well as talking to residents, from which we are having a great response and continuing to build momentum.
The vast majority of individual responses have been extremely positive, and supportive, for example describing situations where the landline has saved people, and where those with cognitive disorders and other difficulties will be most impacted. Yet, there is a minority of individuals who have posted comments like these...
“More scaremongering, it will only cause unnecessary panic to many people.”
“Use a mobile phone. Most people do these days and don’t bother with landlines...”
“It’s a non-issue. If you’re worried about not being able to make phone calls during a power outage, ask BT to install an ONT with battery back up. Or use your mobile.”
It seems that for some, our concerns are unfounded, and we should all be using mobiles, and so we ask you:
Do vulnerable people matter? Should new systems always protect the vulnerable? Even though, those that are vulnerable may be older, or live more rurally, be more prone to broadband or power cuts, they may too have health issues?
These vulnerable persons may also appear to be the minority, yet in a storm for example, where there may be a long broadband or power outage, could every single person in that area, whether rural or urban, then be potentially impacted and at risk?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, please could you place a comment at the bottom of this petition, to express your opinion and explain what your concerns are, how it will impact you or those you love, and why you signed this petition, as it will really help others to understand our concerns.
We also hope that you can again share this petition on as many platforms as possible, as the more shares it gets, the more successful the petition will be, in reaching those that have the power to improve these new systems and make change.
We also have more very important developments to share with you soon, so watch this space!
Thank you :)