Openreach prepares Suffolk town for digital upgrade
Openreach has announced a number of local efforts to help raise awareness of the upcoming digital phone upgrade in Mildenhall, Suffolk.
Mildenhall is one of the first areas in the country to switch to new digital phone lines, as the UK moves to retire the current decades-old analogue system. Local residents will need to upgrade their phone by April 2023.
To help local people find out more and prepare for the upgrade, Openreach has set up a free phone line on 0800 0121 402. Residents also have the option to sign up for information online www.openreach.com/mildenhall .
Openreach will also be contacting all households in Mildenhall via the post to make them aware of the free phone line and online resources.
James Lilley, director of ALL-IP at Openreach said: “It is Openreach’s priority to make sure the people of Mildenhall are prepared and ready for the digital telephone upgrade. We know people depend on their phone and a range of important things that use the current system, such as security, fire or health alarms. This is why we’re taking steps locally to help residents understand what to expect and what action they need to take.”
“We would encourage everyone to visit our website or call our dedicated free phone line to find out more.”
Frequently asked questions about the digital upgrade of the phone network
What is changing about the phone line?
The current phone network is coming to the end of its lifespan. Over the next few years, we’ll be upgrading the UK to a new network fit for the modern world. We aim to upgrade the whole country by 2025. Most Mildenhall residents will need to upgrade to a new digital phone service that runs over a broadband connection.
When is the upgrade happening?
Mildenhall is one of the first areas in the country to switch to digital, which means you’ll probably need to upgrade your phone line by April 2023.
How do I upgrade my phone line?
Your service provider - the company that provides your phone service (for example, BT, Sky, BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Vodafone) - will help you with the upgrade process and may have contacted you already. If not, it’s worth getting in touch with them. Before calling them, we recommend making a list of any other devices, besides your landline phone, that use the phone line. Some examples are fax machines, and security, fire or health alarms.
Where can I find out more?
To learn more and find out how to be ready, you can call Openreach’s free phone line 0800 0121 402 or sign up for information online www.openreach.com/mildenhall
