BT’s Digital Voice project

National Neighbourhood Watch is supporting BT with the UK Digital Voice roll out project. 

This is the country wide change of the phone network from traditional analogue landlines to a digital service in a rolling programme to be completed by Nov. 2027

The old phone network is reaching the end of its life and will be increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain.  The new service will have improved voice quality and will screen out many unwanted sales calls and scammers.

You may have seen some press coverage about various concerns from the public about this change, especially from the elderly and vulnerable. In response to these concerns, BT are setting up roadshows in many towns and cities to inform the public of the changes.

 In smaller towns and rural areas, BT are using small ‘drop-in’ events to inform and reassure the public, and these small local events are where NW believes it can support this project. 

This is an opportunity for NW to support people in their community and promote the role of NW. 

There will be around eight events in Hampshire & IOW held early in 2025 each lasting 3 to 4 hours.  

We need at least a couple of volunteers from NW at each venue to meet and greet the public and/or explain the  various solutions on offer from BT and answer any questions.

There will be on-line training from BT so volunteers are able to answer most questions

BT personnel will be available on a phone link to answer technical questions

These events will take place where people regularly visit, such as libraries, village halls or community cafes etc.

BT will market the events to their customers and will use local networks ,such as Age UK etc to spread the word

BT will provide

1. the venues and marketing for these daytime events

2. On-line  training ( 2 hours) for NW volunteers, travel expenses and a donation to their NW.

3. Information handouts and a live link to BT specialists 

Hants NW will provide  information brochures

If you would like to volunteer for one or more ‘drop in' sessions or want to learn more about this project, please contact

Bob Combes        bobcombes41@gmail.com       07548 016092