Digital switchover hub

Overview

We live in an increasingly digital world. Having access to fast and reliable broadband and mobile data is essential to enable people to fully participate in society and engage in 21st century education and employment systems.

The Government, communication providers, and councils all play a role in connecting residents and bringing communities together. Through various schemes and initiatives – some led by government, others by industry – efforts are underway to improve broadband and mobile data capabilities.

To support these initiatives, we have developed the Digital Switchover Hub to host information and materials regarding the digital switchover, mobile data sunsetting, and steps to address digital exclusion.

What is the digital switchover?

Between now and 2027 most telephone providers will be moving their customers from old analogue landlines to new upgraded landline services using fibre technology. The upgrade will be delivered by the telecoms industry in a phased approach. The new digital landline network will provide a future proof, more reliable and dependable broadband service that will support the UK for decades to come. 

What is the 2G/3G switch off?

Beyond 2033, mobile network providers have confirmed they will not offer 2G and 3G services. Each mobile network provider can choose when they end 2G and 3G services within this timeframe and many have begun phasing out 3G networks already. Switching off 2G and 3G will support the rollout of the 4G and 5G networks which offer faster and more reliable services. 

What are the implications?  

PSTN: The landline switchover has serious implications for adult social care due to the connectivity of telecare devices such as fall monitors to the new line. Also, for residents who may not have an internet connection or mobile phone, fibre landlines cannot carry a power connection so in the event of a power cut they will not work.  

2G/3G: Residents who have older mobile phones will not be able to connect to the new network so will need to update their phone. 

Data sharing: Councils need to be able to share the details of telecare users with communications providers in a timely, structured, and useful way. The lack of nationalised process puts people at risk from being cut off from help in an emergency.

Both telecoms and mobile network providers should contact residents ahead of time if they will be impacted, but we’d encourage anyone who is unsure to check themselves directly with their providers.

What the LGA are doing  

• We've provided social media assets and printable leaflets for partners to use to raise awareness of the landline digital switchover on our partner toolkit page.  
• We've conducted both a landline switchover readiness survey and a 2G/3G switch off impact survey with councils. 
• We’ve helped produce guidance and templates with the London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI), on behalf of and in consultation with the LGA working group for the digital switchover.
• We help represent the voice of local government at national groups like the Telecare Advisory Board.
• We provide strategic input and advice to national government on action plans and guidance around the switchover.
• We work with industry partners to ensure we explore new ways of communicating with councils.
• We run a closed hub for councils to share best practice, ask questions and contribute to national discussions.

Contact

For questions about adult social care, data sharing agreements or the closed hub: [email protected]

For general inquiries about the digital switchover: [email protected] 

For questions about political engagement: [email protected]

For comments or questions about our partner toolkit: [email protected]