BT has today announced plans to roll out its new home phone service, Digital Voice, across Greater London during November and December.

Having already started the regional rollout of Digital Voice in the East Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, Northern Ireland and the North West, BT will now focus efforts on engaging with communities across the nation’s capital.

An industry-wide shift from analogue to digital landlines will see BT and many other telecoms operators in the UK provide services over a broadband line, similar to work taking place in many other countries around the world. 

This once-in-a-generation upgrade to future-proof the UK’s landlines is essential and will replace technology that is fast becoming obsolete. The landline is here to stay, and for the majority of customers, making the switch simply involves plugging your phone into a broadband router instead of into a wall-mounted phone socket, bringing new benefits such as advanced spam call blocking. 

Customers in Greater London will be contacted at least four weeks in advance before making the switch, to ensure they are ready to move to Digital Voice. For almost all customers, Digital Voice will have no impact on how they use their home phone. They’ll still have the same service, and price plan and bills will stay the same. In addition, more than 99% of phone handsets work with Digital Voice and for those that won’t, BT has a range of handsets that customers can order. 

Vicky Hicks, Senior Engagement Manager at BT, said: “BT customers in Greater London will benefit from a tried and tested service, with around two million BT customers already having made the switch and benefitting from the many advantages of digital home phones from advanced scam call filtering capabilities to crystal-clear call audio. 

“For almost everyone, moving to Digital Voice will be a simple and free transition with no home installation work required. If you feel you need additional support with the transition or you think you are vulnerable, please do tell us. We will be with you every step of the way.” 

BT won’t be proactively switching anyone who falls under the below criteria, where it has this information available:

• Customers with a healthcare pendant
• Customers who only use landlines
• Customers with no mobile signal
• Customers who have disclosed any additional needs.

Customers who fall into any of these categories should contact BT to ensure their data is up to date.

Customers over the age of 70 are not initially being proactively switched to Digital Voice. However, since July 2023, BT has been trialling switching customers between 70-74 who live in urban areas and are ready to make the switch, i.e. they have the latest broadband hub and are not frequent landline users. These trials have gone well to date, with 98% of customers choosing to make the switch.

Engaging with the Greater London community 

BT’s regional approach will be supported by general awareness communications, and advertising campaigns, delivered across local, regional and national media to explain to customers the simple steps required to make the move to Digital Voice. 

Upcoming engagement activities in Greater London include: 

Townhalls: BT will be present in townhalls across the region in November and early December to address customer questions on the ground. Customers will be able to speak to BT advisors, test Digital Voice products as well as take part in digital skills training. The first townhalls to be confirmed are as follows: 

• 7th November - Hornchurch Library, 44 North Street, Hornchurch, RM11 1TB
• 14th November - Hatch End Suites (in car park) Harrow Arts Centre, 171 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, HA5 4EA
• 5th December - St. Mildreds Church, 30 Bingham Road, Croydon, CR0 7EB
• 11th December - Dugdale Arts Centre (Thomas Hardy House), 39 London Road, Enfield EN2 6DS

Pop-up Events: BT will tour every borough over the course of November and early December to ensure customers across Greater London and surrounding areas can speak to BT staff about the switch and try out the new technology for themselves. Confirmed dates and locations: 

• 7th-8th November - Bexley - Broadway Shopping Centre, Broadway, Bexleyheath, DA6 7JN
• 7th-8th November - Hoddesden - Stanboroughs Conservative Club, Conduit Lane, Hoddesdon, EN11 8EP
• 9th-10th November - Sutton - Dobbies Garden Centre, Woodcote Green, 4a Woodmansterne Lane, Wallington, SM6 0SU
• 9th-10th November - Welwyn Garden City - Morrisons, 40 Black Fan Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 1RY
• 11th November - Greenwich - Greenwich Central Library, 12 Lambarde Square, London, SE10 9HB
• 11th-12th November - St Albans - The Maltings Library, The Maltings, St Albans, AL1 3JQ
• 13th-14th November - Lewisham - Carenden Rise Car Park, London, SE13 6BJ
• 13th-14th November - Watford - Morrisons, Ascot Road, Watford, WD18 8AA
• 15th-16th November - Southwark - East Street Market, East Street, London, SE17 1EL
• 15th-16th November - Hounslow - Osterley Garden Centre, Windmill Lane, Osterley, Isleworth, TW7 5PR
• 17th November - Hillingdon - Ickenham Library, long Lane, Ickenham, Uxbridge, UB10 8RD
• 17th-18th November - Lambeth - Lambeth Library, 180 South Lambeth Road, London, SW8 1QP
• 19th-20th November - Harrow - Harrow Garden Centre, Headstone Lane, Harrow, HA2 6NB
• 21st-22nd November - Bromley - 162 High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HE
• 21st-22nd November - Brent - Brichen Grove Garden Centre, Birchen Grove, London, NW9 8RY
• 23rd-24th November - Reigate - Woodhatch Community Centre, Whitebeam Drive, Reigate, RH2 7LS
• 23rd-24th November - Barnet - The Spires, 111 High Street, Barnet, EN5 5XY
• 25th-26th November - Epsom - Tadworth Community Centre, Preston Manor Road, Epsom, Tadworth, KT20 5FB
• 25th-26th November - Camden - Camden Town Centre, Judd Street, London, WC1H 9JE
• 27th-28th November - Weybridge - Weybridge Garden Centre, New Haw Road, Weybridge, Addlestone, KT15 2BU
• 27th-28th November - Islington - Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, London, N1 2UD
• 29th-30th November - Merton - South Mitcham Community Association, Cobham Court, Haslemere Avenue, Mitcham, CR4 3PR
• 1st-2nd December - Enfield - British Garden Centres Enfield, Cattlegate Road, Crews Hill, Enfield Middlesex, EN2 9DX
• 3rd-4th December - Wandsworth - Battersea library, 265 Lavender hill, London, SW11 1JB
• 5th-6th December - City of Westminster - Church Street Library, 67 Church Street, London, NW8 8EU
• 7th-8th December - Kensington & Chelsea - Brompton Library, 210 Old Brompton Road, London, SW5 0BS
• 11th-12th December - Richmond Upon Thames - Hillier Garden Centre, Syon Park, Park Road, Brentford, TW8 8JF
• 11th-12th December - Redbridge - The Exchange Shopping Centre, High Street, Ilford, IG1 1RS
• 13th-14th December - Ealing - Ealing Town Hall, New Broadway, London, W5 2BY
• 15th-16th December - Twickenham - Richmond Rugby Club, Twickenham Road, Richmond, TW9 2SF

The remaining regions and nations set to make the switch over the next year can be found on BT’s press room: BT announces regional rollout schedule for Digital Voice.

Full information of dates and which boroughs, towns and cities will be hosting BT events will be available on the Digital Voice website: www.bt.com/digital-voice. 

ENDS

BT recently announced plans to roll out its new home phone service, Digital Voice, on a region-by-region basis, starting with the East Midlands.

An industry-wide shift from analogue to digital landlines will see BT and many other telecoms operators in the UK provide services over a broadband line, similar to work taking place in many other countries around the world.

This once-in-a-generation upgrade to future-proof the UK’s landlines is essential and will replace technology that is fast becoming obsolete. The landline isn’t going away, and for the most of customers, making the switch simply involves plugging your phone into a broadband router instead of into a wall-mounted phone socket, bringing new benefits such as advanced spam call blocking.

Customers in the East Midlands will be contacted at least four weeks in advance before making the switch, to ensure they are ready to move to Digital Voice. For almost all customers, Digital Voice will have no impact on how they use their home phone. They’ll still have the same service, and price plan and bills will stay the same. In addition, more than 99% of phone handsets work with Digital Voice and for those that won’t, BT has a range of handsets that customers can order.

Vicky Hicks, Senior Engagement Manager at BT Group, said: “BT customers in the East Midlands will benefit from a tried and tested service, with around two million BT customers already having made the switch and benefitting from the many advantages of digital home phones from advanced scam call filtering capabilities to crystal-clear call audio.

“For almost everyone, moving to Digital Voice will be a simple and free transition with no home installation work required. If you feel you need additional support with the transition or you think you are vulnerable, please do tell us. We will be with you every step of the way.”

BT won’t be proactively switching anyone who falls under the below criteria, where it has this information available:

• Customers with a healthcare pendant
• Customers who are over 70
• Customers who only use landlines
• Customers with no mobile signal
• Customers who have disclosed any additional needs

Engaging with the East Midlands community

BT’s regional approach will be supported by general awareness communications, and advertising campaigns, delivered across local and regional media to explain to customers the simple steps required to make the move to Digital Voice.

Upcoming engagement activities in the East Midlands include:

Townhalls: BT will be present in townhalls across the region in July to address customer questions on the ground. Customers will be able to speak to BT advisors, test Digital Voice products as well as take part in digital skills training. The first two townhalls to be confirmed are as follows:

• 5^th July, 10:00 - 17:00: Bolero Suite, The Motorpoint Arena, Bolero Square, Nottingham, NG1 1LA
• 18^th July, 10:00 – 17:00: Hansom Hall, Leicester Adult Education College, 54 Belvoir Street, Leicester, LE1 6QL

Pop-up events: BT will be hosting pop-up stands in garden centres and libraries so customers can have one-to-one conversations with BT staff. The first locations that have been confirmed are:

• 11^th July: Grantham Library, Newton Street
• 12^th July: Sleaford Library, Market Place
• 19^th July: Burton Library, Burton-on-Trent
• 20^th July: The Grange Garden Centre, Melton Mowbray
• 25^th July: Newark on Trent Library, Beaumond Gardens
• 27^th July: Stamford Library, High Street

Demonstration vehicle: BT will tour 12 towns and cities over the course of July to ensure customers across the East Midlands can speak to BT staff about the switch and try out the new technology for themselves. Confirmed dates and locations:

• 10-11^th July: Dobbies Garden Centre Northampton, Newport Pagnel Road, Wooton
• 12-13^th July: Dobbies Garden Centre Harlestone Heath, Harlestone Road
• 14^th July: Kettering Market, High Street
• 15-16^th July: Willow Place, Corby
• 17-18^th July: Dobbies Garden Centre Stapleton, Ashby Road
• 19-20^th July: Gates Garden Centre, Somerby Road, Cold Overton
• 21^st-22^nd July: Notcutts Wheatcroft, Landmere Lane
• 23^rd July: Dobbies Garden Centre, Derby
• 24^th-25^th July: Market Place, Mansfield
• 26^th-27^th July: Dobbies Garden Centre Chesterfield
• 28^th-29^th July: Louth Garden Centre, Legbourne Road
• 30^th-31^st July: Dobbies Garden Centre Boston

Full information of dates and which towns and cities will be hosting BT events will be available on the Digital Voice website: www.bt.com/digital-voice

ENDS

Displaying its commitment to Warrington, BT has recruited 110 colleagues in the area within the last year and is now looking to hire a further 15 people to be based at the new building before Christmas.

BT colleagues are taking part in induction sessions as part of a phased return to the office taking place over the next few weeks following the end of Covid-19 restrictions. The impressive future-fit workplace, across two floors, will now be occupied by the communications and technology company, creating a fantastic workspace for around 750 colleagues.

The revamped office has been designed in large part by BT colleagues, for colleagues. It features full height windows providing lots of natural light, new café and restaurant facilities, flexible workspaces, collaboration zones and plenty of greenery for plant lovers. It also includes relax and refuel areas and a games space.

The state-of-the-art building is one of the first of BT’s new look offices to open in the UK as part of its ‘Better Workplace Programme’ – the largest workplace improvement and consolidation scheme of its type ever undertaken in the UK.

The five-year programme, due to complete in 2024, is part of BT’s ambition to increase efficiency and productivity, improving its ability to do the best for its customers and colleagues. The Better Workplace Programme will deliver a combination of moves into new offices and the refurbishment of some existing BT buildings. 

Nick Lane, managing director for consumer customer services at BT, said: “Our new contact centre in Warrington will offer our people an impressive and exciting state-of-the-art environment to work in with excellent transport links close by. It boasts some of the latest technology and facilities to help our colleagues thrive at work and to relax and unwind during break periods.

“Warrington is a key location for BT and we’re really pleased to have invested in this new office space and to show our commitment to the town through job opportunities and recruitment over the last year.

“The town, like many places across the country, has suffered economically as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. We have a number of posts that we need to fill and I would encourage anyone who may be interested to check out our careers website bt.com/careers where more information and details on how to apply can be found.”

BT says that a number of its colleagues have been working from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, but many are expected to return to the office over the coming weeks and months following the lifting of Government restrictions.

Last year, BT completed its commitment to answer 100% of its customer service calls in the UK and Ireland – becoming the only major communications provider to do so with the aim of offering the most personal and local service to its customers.

Warrington Borough Council Leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: “BT’s new contact centre will bring huge benefits to Warrington, creating new employment opportunities for local people and helping further boost our economic recovery, post-Covid.

“I’m delighted that the state-of-the-art facility has now officially opened, with 110 people already recruited into roles, and a further 15 jobs currently on offer. It’s great news for Warrington and is testament to our continuing, strong economic performance, which makes us an attractive place for big businesses to invest.”

Liz Needleman, BT Group regional lead for the North of England, added: “Our investment in the newly opened office in Warrington is a real sign of BT’s commitment and confidence in the region’s ability to make a sustainable recovery after the uncertainty of the pandemic.

“I’m pleased that we have been able to hire over 100 new colleagues in Warrington over the last year and will be recruiting for more contact centre roles before Christmas. It’s exciting that our colleagues will now be able to benefit from this multi-million investment and work in a future-fit workspace.”

BT Group plays an important role in the economy of the North West and is responsible for generating £1 in every £160 produced in the region, according to an independent report. It also generated more than £1.71 billion to the local economy in “Gross Value Added” (GVA)*, during the 2019/20 financial year. BT Group supports more than 19,800 local jobs both directly and indirectly across the region.

BT will recruit talent into the company across areas as diverse as engineering, customer service, applied research, and cyber-security to support the UK’s fast-growing digital sectors. The new recruits will also support the company’s plans to build and extend the latest 5G networks around the UK.

BT has recruited more than 1,600 apprentices and graduates over the past 24 months.

The new roles are spread across a number of locations including; Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Dundee, Edinburgh, Ipswich, London and Manchester^[2].

Today’s figures are in addition to Openreach’s recent plans to create more than 2,500 full-time jobs in its service and network build divisions, as well as an estimated 2,800 positions in its UK supply chain. Together, BT and Openreach are currently delivering a wide range of apprenticeships, with over 4,000 colleagues working towards their qualifications.

Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson said: "It is brilliant that BT are continuing to champion apprenticeships and offering more than 400 people the opportunity to start a great career in the digital industry.

“Apprenticeships form a key part of our new Skills for Jobs White Paper which will transform post-16 education and training, helping to deliver the skills individuals, businesses and the economy need to thrive after coronavirus.

“I hope more employers will follow BT’s lead so more people can get on the path to a great job.”

Alison Wilcox, Group HR Director, BT Group said: “BT is at the heart of the UK’s digital economy and as a leading employer of apprentices and graduates we offer unparalleled development opportunities. Despite the uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve continued to recruit and attract brilliant people from all walks of life into our business, and we value the diverse perspectives they bring. We look forward to welcoming the 2021 newcomers.”

BT Group, including Openreach, is one of the UK’s largest private sector apprenticeships employers and in October 2020 ranked fourth in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK.

Alongside its apprenticeship and graduate scheme opportunities, BT is also investing in several initiatives to support young jobseekers. These include BT’s Work Ready training scheme which has already helped thousands of young people kickstart their careers, providing opportunities for young people who aren't in employment, education or training and preparing them for the world of work.

Work Ready is just one part of BT’s Skills for Tomorrow ambition which aims to help 10m people in the UK develop the skills they need to make the most of life in the digital world.

For more information on how to apply for a BT apprenticeship of graduate placement, please visit: https://www.bt.com/careers/early-careers

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• BT Group, including Openreach, is one of the UK’s largest private sector apprenticeships employers. In 2021 the company will hire 2,729 apprentices.
• BT Group is a partner of the FastFutures programme which helps provide equal opportunities to 18-22-year who are looking to shape their future career. Over the course of 12-weeks, participants learn business-focused skills that are most valued by the employers of today, such as: marketing, data, finance, teamwork and problem solving.
• For more information about our Work Ready programme and BT’s Skills for Tomorrow, with free courses to develop your digital skills, please visit: https://www.bt.com/skillsfortomorrow

[1] 428 jobs: 199 graduate and 229 apprentice roles.

[2] Field based roles are located in communities across the country.