Sky Talk & switchover to VoIP

[JanetD]

Apologies if this question has been asked before but I did try to search the forum before posting but could find no reference to it.

My question is related to the impending switchover of traditional phone lines to VoIP (Voice over IP) digital services. Currently I am on the "Sky Talk Line Rental" package (so not "Sky Talk Internet Calls"). The reason for this is because when I started the contract with Sky I wanted to stay on the traditional phone network as I have a house alarm that uses this network to call out if the alarm goes off. Therefore I do not currently plug my landline phone (or house alarm) into my Sky router but in the traditional wall socket.

I believe that the switch to digital (at least as far as BT are concerned) will be happening soon in my area as my neighbour (a BT customer) has been given notification of this. 

My questions are as follows:-

1. Is it the case that as BT "own" the underlying network infrastructure my line will switch to digital at the same time as my neighbours?

2. If so, will Sky contact me as and when the "Sky Talk Line Rental" package is no longer functional? 

3. If the switchover to digital does happen at some point, how do I get round the problem of my alarm not being able to ring out (without going to the expense of updating it to use digital)?

Thanks in advance.

[Mark39 · Accepted solution]

Currently Sky move people to internet calls (Sky VOIP) only when they switch to Sky from another provider, or upgrade their broadband subscription.

Sky haven't announced their plans yet for switching over those who already have Sky broadband or telephone services. I don't think any other provider has yet either.

1. Yes, Openreach will continue to own the infrastructure. Sky haven't said yet how the switchover will be phased.

2. Again, there's no announcement yet. But I suspect the switchover will be seamless.

3. Your alarm company are the people to discuss with this. 

[padre]

Just to confirm what @Mark39 stated re VOIP, I have just returned to sky with BB, never had phone with them before and was put straight onto VOIP. I was previously with bt (Awful experience) now back in February this year I received an email from them saying that on the 22nd of March (I,m Sure) I thad to plug my phone into my Router, so bt have been like thay since at least then that I know of.

[TimmyBGood]

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@JanetD wrote:

3. If the switchover to digital does happen at some point, how do I get round the problem of my alarm not being able to ring out (without going to the expense of updating it to use digital)?

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The target date for national PSTN switch-off is December 2025: by that point (if not before) there will be no option but to change your alarm for a system compatible with either a router connection or a cellular data service.  Every similar installation across the country will require updating, and the companies manufacturing, selling, supporting and providing call centre service for them are well aware of this.