BT package ( for DLA receivers). Hubby stopped his name for my name. We are losing our phone number

bowood47

Hi . Hubby has paid BT / phone line for over 10yrs. We discovered that an account in my name would be cheaper because I am in receipt of DLA for 2 disabilities.  
This is being changed over but we didnt spot the fact that we are losing our present phone number. 
I'm now inclined to ditch the BT phone line and only take up the broadband.  What should i watch out for ? how long have i got to do this in.   I havent signed for anything yet 

Newcad

I assume that you mean the BT 'Home Essentials' for benefits claimants.

When you get the BT Home Essentials broadband package then it comes with a Digital Voice phone (mine has Alexa included) with 700 free minutes of calls a month included anyway. The phone works over the broadband.

So you will have the phone as part of having the broadband, they are not a seperate thing.

I also had to change my number when I first got it, although in my case it was an Openreach mixup and it was just easier/quicker to get a new number.

A bit of work letting everyone know you have a new number, but it's not that bad.

These days people are used to people changing numbers.

PS.The old copper telephone lines are being phased out anyway and everyone will be changing to digital phones over fibre optic lines.

Albermarle

When you get the BT Home Essentials broadband package then it comes with a Digital Voice phone (mine has Alexa included) 

Originally when you switched to Digital Voice you got a free phone(s) but that stopped about a year ago. Maybe if this is a special package for people on DLA maybe you can still get one. In any case if not then;

You can buy a new digital essentials phone for less than £30

Your existing phone will still work ( needs to be manually plugged into the router) as long as it is less than 10 years old.

Newcad

No. This isn't the switch to Digital Voice. (That switch is part of  my PS above).

It's the discounted broadband/phone package for those who are getting certain benefits

DFS

To be eligible for BT Essentials, you need to be in receipt of Universal Credit, ESA, or Guaranteed Pension Credit.  DLA and PIP are not eligible.  The contract is for 12 months with no price increases due to CPI either.  Openreach are phasing out the old school copper landlines, so digital voice is offered, but rarely you are successful in retaining your old landline number.

BT Home Essentials Broadband | Universal Credit Broadband

Albermarle

DFS said:

To be eligible for BT Essentials, you need to be in receipt of Universal Credit, ESA, or Guaranteed Pension Credit.  DLA and PIP are not eligible.  The contract is for 12 months with no price increases due to CPI either.  Openreach are phasing out the old school copper landlines, so digital voice is offered, but rarely you are successful in retaining your old landline number.

BT Home Essentials Broadband | Universal Credit Broadband

I do not understand that.

If you are not eligible for BT essentials, but just switch to Digital Voice anyway, you normally keep your landline number.
Is it different if you are on this Essentials package ?

DFS

You always initially get issues a new number, but BT will submit a request to retain your old one from Openreach.  As you are switching from an old technology to the new full fibre one, sometimes the 'systems' do not allow the switch.  

Albermarle

DFS said:

You always initially get issues a new number, but BT will submit a request to retain your old one from Openreach.  As you are switching from an old technology to the new full fibre one, sometimes the 'systems' do not allow the switch.  

I have recently switched to Digital Voice. No mention of a new phone number and have just kept the old one.

Digital Voice | Digital Home Phone | BT

From the FAQ's

Can I keep my current phone number?

Yes, you’ll be able to keep your current phone number, this won’t be affected by the switch to Digital Voice

Digital Voice and the landline switch-off: what it means for you - Which?

Can I keep my existing phone number?

Yes. In the majority of cases you’ll be able to keep the same phone number when your service is migrated to Digital Voice. Exceptions can be if you change providers before you take a digital phone service, or if you change address – speak with your provider to discuss your specific circumstances.

The main problem in future, is if you are not a BT broadband customer and still want a landline.

knightstyle

Main problem with this new system is that it stops working if there is a power cut unlike the old copper wire system that still worked with a basic home phone.  I still have an old one somewhere just in case!
For most of us this is not a problem but be careful if you get frequent power cuts.

Spoonie_Turtle

knightstyle said:

Main problem with this new system is that it stops working if there is a power cut unlike the old copper wire system that still worked with a basic home phone.  I still have an old one somewhere just in case!
For most of us this is not a problem but be careful if you get frequent power cuts.

It has the potential to be a massive problem for some people in certain areas (especially those with poor or intermittent mobile signal - or in some cases, none) when BT finishes rolling out VoIP and switches off the analogue service.  Including vulnerable people who rely on pendant alarms for safety.

Albermarle

Main problem with this new system is that it stops working if there is a power cut unlike the old copper wire system that still worked with a basic home phone.  I still have an old one somewhere just in case!

The old phone will be useless as the copper wire connection will stop working altogether at some point. Maybe it stops as soon as you switch to Digital Voice.

An added issue is that some ( most?) of the broadband providers do not offer a digital landline option.

So if BT/Openreach end the current analogue landline/copper wire service in 2025, and you get your broadband with certain providers then there will be no option to get a digital landline, unless you switch to a broadband provider that does offer one.

It has the potential to be a massive problem for some people in certain areas (especially those with poor or intermittent mobile signal - or in some cases, none) when BT finishes rolling out VoIP and switches off the analogue service.  Including vulnerable people who rely on pendant alarms for safety.

I understand BT are dealing with these cases on an individual basis, and will not just cut people off without some kind of a solution. Problem could be if the customer involved is not a BT one.

Keeping connected during a power cut

If there’s a power cut or your broadband fails, you’ll be unable to make any calls using Digital Voice, including 999 calls. You’ll still be able to use a mobile phone, just make sure you keep it charged at all times. If you don’t have a mobile phone or are in an area with no mobile signal, please contact us on 0330 1234 150.

Customers who need extra support may be offered a battery backup unit to make sure you can still make calls. The unit will keep you connected for a short time if there is a power cut. We advise that you limit your usage to essential calls only to preserve battery life during any outage. If you believe you will need a battery backup unit, please contact us.

Telecare, burglar alarms and Digital Voice

We're working closely with telecare and alarm providers to make sure that we know who is using their equipment. We want to make sure that you aren't moved over before your provider is ready, so please speak to your provider and they may ask you to call us to let us know which equipment you're using.