This topic

Digital Voice and emergency numbers

Steve-1 — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:42:06 GMT

I'm just about to be upgraded to Digital Voice.

I understand you can't dial emergency numbers in a power cut. But my mobile phone won't work inside my house (because of thick house walls). And I'm in an area that gets several power cuts in a bad winter.

I phoned BT (0330 1234 150) and asked what I could do about this. I was told I could dial 112 on my mobile instead of 999 and that would work.

Is it me, or does dialling 112 magically make my house walls thinner?
(I do know that dialling an emergency number from a mobile will connect to any network but I can't receive any network inside my house. And if I could, why would 112 be any better than 999).

So what can I practically do to ensure I can make emergency calls when necessary?

Re: Digital Voice and emergency numbers

jac_95 — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:47:06 GMT

Hi Steve-1,

Thanks for the post and welcome to the Community.

This is an automated response as I can see you have a question about BT’s Digital Voice service. Rather than waiting for a response from the Community, you may find an answer to your question by using the search bar on the Community homepage. We also have a thread that contains a wealth of info related to BT’s Digital Voice, click this link to take a look, Digital Voice FAQs.

To learn more about the nationwide change to this Internet based voice service visit landlinesgo.digital

If you have already looked for the answer to your question and have not found anything that can help, then please ignore this message. One of our Community members will be along shortly to help you further.

Re: Digital Voice and emergency numbers

imjolly — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:49:12 GMT

If mobile will still not work if you simply stand outside your home so not shielded by thick walls then you can purchase a UPS which will enable to keep internet working and you can make calls. There are numerous posts about this on the forum found using search

Re: Digital Voice and emergency numbers

Steve-1 — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 19:15:32 GMT

I'm not sure that standing outside in winter to call an ambulance is too practical (I'm an OAP). But a battery power supply seems to be a good idea. I'll do some more searching.

Re: Digital Voice and emergency numbers

gg30340 — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 19:32:46 GMT

I didn't realise that OAPs can't go outside in the winter but if that is the case you might find that if you are inside in the warm that if you stand at a window you will get a mobile signal.

Re: Digital Voice and emergency numbers

licquorice — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 19:52:16 GMT

Me neither, I'd better tell the missus we aren't allowed out in the winter. 😄

Re: Digital Voice and emergency numbers

Steve-1 — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 20:08:18 GMT

I'm more concerned about having to find a way to get outside following a fall or illness. And of course either of those (and powercuts) are more likely to happen in winter. It's the main reason I kept my landline phone.
And no I don't get reception even at a window (I haven't a window that faces the mast).
The battery backup for my router does seem to be the answer though.

Re: Digital Voice and emergency numbers

gg30340 — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 20:39:08 GMT

Do you presently have a cordless phone?

If so what do you do with that when you have a power cut?

You should complain to your power company about the poor service they are providing if you are subject to frequent power cuts.

Re: Digital Voice and emergency numbers

Steve-1 — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 21:01:48 GMT

No, I don't have a cordless phone.

The power cuts are mainly due to overhead cables being brought down in gales. I'm not sure a complaint would be likely to improve that. In fact the overhead power line workers should be congratulated for the work they do, often in atrocious conditions.

Re: Digital Voice and emergency numbers

gg30340 — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 21:32:01 GMT

They certainly won't do anything if nobody complains and just accept it.

Re: Digital Voice and emergency numbers

garybs29 — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 21:40:30 GMT

It's amazing that everyone forgets that 999 works on any mobile network hence the emerhency calls only when no signal on your network when it comes to this too

Re: Digital Voice and emergency numbers

imjolly — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 21:45:25 GMT

@garybs29

@Steve-1 is aware you can use any mobile network in emergency as covered in the original post

Re: Digital Voice and emergency numbers

garybs29 — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 21:50:50 GMT

I missed that, but like as already been said the power companies should be dealing with their issues really