Community alarm and telecare digital switchover

Telecom providers across the UK are in the process of transferring analogue phone lines to a fully digital system by the end of 2025. This will affect all domestic telephone services and the telecare, or Technology Enabled Care (TEC), that we provide. TEC can include things like community alarms and connected equipment such as fall detectors, door, or bed sensors. Existing community alarms that plug into a telephone socket may not work or be as reliable as they were once the line changes to digital.

We are currently working hard to upgrade our infrastructure and TEC to make sure you continue to receive a high-quality service with as little disruption as possible. 

What you need to do

You should continue to use your existing alarm or TEC equipment as normal. We will call you to arrange an appointment to get your equipment upgraded as we progress with our programme of change. We will not ask for personal or bank details should we contact you.

If you opt to upgrade your telephone or broadband package or switch telecom supplier, you may be automatically switched to a digital only connection as part of that upgrade.

If you have had to reconnect your telephone to a different socket, internet router, Wi-Fi hub or TV box, then you may have been moved to a digital phone line.

If you think you have been upgraded to a new digital telephone line and we have not already changed your TEC equipment, then please contact us.

Keep the light on your telecare alarm on

We are all aware of the rising cost of our energy bills and looking at ways to save money and reduce our energy consumption. Switching off devices at night might be something you do, or are considering, but there are some important devices that should remain switched on.

If you have any of the following it is vitally important that you do not switch it off so it is there for you if you need it:

• Community alarm
• Telecare
• Dispersed alarm
• Button and box
• Hub

It is vitally important that you do not switch it off so it is there for you if you need it.

Based on a unit price of 52p, on average, it costs approximately £9.88 amount a year to run your device.

If your alarm is connected to an extension, with other devices you would like switched off, please ask a family member, a friend, or your local telecare provider if there is a way it can be connected solely to its own power source.

Scams

Incidents have been reported of scammers contacting vulnerable users about the digital migration. Communication providers and telecare services will never call you to ask for money. Contact is usually by letter and charges are only applied to normal invoices.

If you are in any doubt as to the authenticity of a caller, hang up. Call your communications or telecare provider and report the incident. Use a trusted phone number, such as the one on the bill.

Contact us

If you have any queries please email us on a2dtelecaremigration@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or call us on 01467 535770.