Hexham MP, Guy Opperman has written to BT and the Digital Minister after concerns have been raised over the switch to digital phone lines.
The MP has been holding a series of meetings on the response to Storm Arwen. Mr Opperman has said that his constituents needed reassurance they will still be able to use their landline in the event of a future power outages.
The UK is transitioning from traditional copper phone lines, to digital phone lines by 2025, and some communities have already made the switch.
Mr Opperman has said that some communities which had already switched to digital phone lines, were unable to use their landlines throughout the Storm Arwen power outages. The digital lines require electricity, and their backup batteries only lasted 24 hours after the initial power outage.
Mr Opperman has also written to the regulator Ofcom, to see what more can be done to protect customers from the digitalisation of phone lines.
Guy Opperman MP said:
Communications was the main failure in the aftermath of Storm Arwen.
The fact that many of my constituents were unable to communicate through their landline was unacceptable.
I have written to BT, the Digital Minister and Ofcom, to see what more can be done to protect customers in the event of future power outages.
ENDS