This topic

Installation of a new landline (no broadband) for elderly mother

HilsCampbell — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 12:32:48 GMT

Hello

I am considering ordering a new BT landline for phone only, no broadband, for my elderly mother who has dementia.

She is struggling with her current Virgin set up, where she has to have the landline plugged into the router (she keeps pulling it out of the router). Just want to check a couple of things on here: Firstly, as I will need to order a new landline, will she be putting her phone plug straight into a phone socket on the wall or will it need to be plugged into a router? Secondly, are there are any deals for pensioners? She will only need UK calls and mobiles I imagine.

Finally, I have power of attorney for her affairs and so would I need to send the link to the online power of attorney document to someone at BT in order to manage her new account?

Thank you.

Re: Installation of a new landline (no broadband) for elderly mother

Keith_Beddoe — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 12:41:29 GMT

@HilsCampbell

Welcome to this user forum for BT Retail phone and broadband customers.

Unfortunately no new analogue PSTN lines are available, as the network is closing down and there is a stop on new connections, so all new lines are carried over the Internet, that applies to all providers.

BT uses BT Digital voice, and you can obtain a Digital Voice adapter for free, and the phone can be plugged into that instead.

There are special deals for those on certain benefits.

https://www.bt.com/broadband/home-essentials

Re: Installation of a new landline (no broadband) for elderly mother

HilsCampbell — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 12:58:14 GMT

Thanks for the info. So is BT Digital Voice similar to a router in terms of it's size? Just trying to picture what would be involved? She also has an Argenti Fall alarm device that needs to be plugged in as it uses a phone line.

The problem she has at present is she keeps unplugging phone and also the router, so trying to get something simpler and smaller that can be hidden.

Thanks for your help,

Hilary

Re: Installation of a new landline (no broadband) for elderly mother

Keith_Beddoe — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 13:11:25 GMT

@HilsCampbell

As far as I am aware, BT are issuing the BT Smart Hub 2 for landline only customers, however I would need to ask a moderator for clarification on this issue.

The Smart Hub 2

Product Dimensions

‎26 x 3 x 16 cm; 1.06 Kilograms

Digital Voice Adapter

https://www.bt.com/help/user-guides/phones/digital-voice/digital-voice-adapter

Re: Installation of a new landline (no broadband) for elderly mother

Anonymous — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 13:15:06 GMT

Is there any reason for this irrational behaviour beyond her condition?

I can't see simply changing provider offering a solution, specially to one using more or less the same setup. Maybe you could look at installing a small lockable enclosure to house the Virgin Hub, possibly with an unswitched spur for power so it can't be turned off.