RESIDENTS and businesses must get ready for a significant upgrade to their phone lines.

The Essex telephone network will switch to a new system as analogue phonelines are replaced by digital landlines.

Residents with broadband will be able to connect the digital landline directly into their router instead of a wall-mounted socket.

However Digital Essex, part of Essex County Council, is urging residents to contact their telephone providers as soon as possible if they:

don’t have broadband at home
use healthcare devices such as personal alarms
have additional needs
live in areas with no mobile signal
are over the age of 75
Telephone providers should be able to tell customers about any additional steps they will need to take ahead of the digital switchover.

The council is also warning residents to be wary of scams surrounding the switchover and report suspicious requests for money to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

The UK is expected to have fully adopted digital landlines by the end of 2027, with many residents and businesses having already made the switch.

Digital Essex has attended 12 events and spoken with over 1,000 people to raise awareness. Its campaign has so far reached over three million residents and businesses.

Community groups are invited to help spread the word by getting in touch at www.essex.gov.uk/landline-switch

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity at Essex County Council, said: “It is important that no one gets left behind during this digital switchover. Local communities should be well prepared and supported through this transition, especially the most vulnerable in society.

“We’re urging residents to look out for their friends, family and neighbours and, if they think they could be affected, ask them to contact their telephone provider to make sure they’re fully informed.”