Digital switchover

[DC601]

Just got off the phone with a sky handler who told me that sky may not be able to switch me over before the deadline and if not I'll have to find another provider and then said sorry about that and put the phone down. I have absolutely no idea what to do next. Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Deb3000]

When you say “Digital switchover” what are you referring to?

Copper-based broadband will continue until something like 2040.  It is just the old PSTN phone system that is being retired in January, requiring a move to a digital base phone system which is delivered as part of the broadband, be it copper or fibre.  It also means you can no longer have phone with one provider and broadband with another.  (A VoIP connection with a third-party is an exception here).

It is possible that Sky may not be able to provide phone over copper-based broadband in some areas and so may say you need to move to full fibre, but it doesn't sound as though that is what you are talking about.

[DC601]

She just said that if Sky can't switch us over in time, we'd have to find an alternative provider which I took to be that we can't have Sky anymore and if have to source a new tv & phone provider. 

[Deb3000]

But switch you over from what?  Are we talking about phones or broadband?

[DC601]

Sorry, we have both broadband and landline with Sky. We have one bill.  Forgive my lack of tech knowledge. I'm just having trouble understanding the process.

[Deb3000]

So, it sounds as if you already have phone and broadband with Sky over a copper connection, (FTTC/VDSL).  Do you know what type of connedction it is?  If it is a very old ADSL connection, that will cause problems.

It’s possible you are on a “FTTP Priority” exchange and so Sky can’t implement a change to the current copper setup.  Put you phone number or address in here. 

https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL

Does it say FTTP Priority Y at the bottom?

Even if that is the case or it is an ADSL connection, Openreach do have temporary solutions in place to ensure no one’s phone is suddenly cut off in January.

I think you need to phone Sky back and see if you can talk to someone more knowledgeable.

Alternatively, move to BT.  They’ve been providing both phone and broadband since cars had square wheels and are quite capable of providing the new digital phone and broadband over copper.

(And you can have broadband/phone with another provider and TV with Sky.  I'm doing that as we speak).

[DC601 · Accepted solution]

Awww thank you so much for your help.  I will do what you've recommended and I understand more now. But quite frankly, I had 4 attempts at trying to make myself understood before finally speaking to someone who knew what I was talking about. Dealing with Sky these days is a nightmare but we only have it because a family member with dementia enjoys it.  Thank you again.