UPDATE: From Dec 2023

Please share:

Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan summoned the UK’s leading telecoms firms including Sky, BT, Virgin Media 02, and TalkTalk following incidents when telecare devices – personal alarms used by an estimated 1.8 million elderly and vulnerable people and designed to be activated in a health emergency or after a fall – failed because of digital landlines.

The alarm buttons, which are usually worn around the neck or on the wrist, automatically call a response centre when pressed through the wearer’s landline. Operators can then check if a person needs help and send someone if necessary.

While telecare systems do work with digital landlines, a power cut or internet drop-out can cause them to fail.

Copper phone lines typically continue to work even during power cuts.

Ms Donelan said: 'It is absolutely right that the most vulnerable people in our society should feel safe, secure and have complete confidence in the services provided to them. 

'That's why I have brought our biggest network providers and industry regulator to the table, agreeing a cast-iron set of principles to reassure people and put their minds at ease.

'The recent issues families have had to endure are unacceptable and today's agreements will help to protect consumers in future.'

Providers have agreed to carry out extra checks on those who have already been forcibly migrated to digital to ensure they do not have telecare devices the provider was unaware of, and if they do, to ensure suitable support is provided.

Might this also apply infact to anyone needing to dial 999 in an emergency, as well as the vulnerable?

What are your thoughts on this news?

What does this mean for those not categorised as ‘vulnerable’?

Aren’t we all vulnerable when we need emergency help?