Problems changing broadband supplier because of Telecare?

Everyday living
1

Hello everybody,

A couple of years ago my broadband supplier took away the copper cables for the phone line and so my Teleçare company changed the alarm box for one that would work over the broadband and so it is plugged into my router.

I know that recently a broadband provider had a massive fine because they hadn’t done that due diligence when taking away the copper wires and left some vulnerable people unable to use their alarms to call for help. I didn’t fall into this category because my provider told me they were going to change it so I was able to arrange to have a new alarm box provided.

All of that was fine, until I tried to change broadband provider. I couldn’t find anybody that was willing to sign me up because they all said that they were worried about the risk and didn’t want to leave me without a working alarm, this was despite me telling them clearly that I was already using equipment that worked without a phone line.

I’m wondering if anybody else has had a similar experience? I’m sure it’s a breach of some competition law or an unfair practice so I want to see if I could do anything about it and if it’s only me that experienced it then I’ve probably done enough already. If it is a wider problem though I’ll kick up a stink!

Thank you :slightly_smiling_face:

2

There is a basic problem that a standard router for your broadband requires mains power to work. This means unless you have a special battery back up system you will be unable to communicate and your alarm will not work if there is a power cut.

This is an obvious consequence of the removal of the old fashioned landline but seems to have caught the industry napping.

If the cost and complexity of the back up system is a liability/potential liability to the provider they are likely to be wary.

3

Hi

I have a new digital Careline connecting to the mobile phone network but my broadband provider will not connect me to full fibre. Obviously by 2027 they will have to be on top of it, otherwise there are going to be an awful lot of disgruntled people.

Pam x