Written questions

Voice over Internet Protocol

Commons · Question 104627 · Tabled 12 Jan 2026 · Department for Science, Innovation and Technology · Official record

Answered 21 Jan 2026

Question

Asked by Andrew George

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the transition from analogue to digital landline services on public safety, including the availability of digital tele

Answer

Answered by Kanishka Narayan, 21 Jan 2026

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) often relies on cables in the air that can fail during a storm. In 2024/25 there were over 2,600 major incidents on the PSTN, each affecting 500 or more customers. Further, in a power outage the PSTN would not ...