Yes, on investigation you must be right, Peter. Thanks for the clue! The
'Upgrade' must be a switch to SOTAP for analogue: I shall retain the
copper wire as far as the cabinet :-)
This explains why BT's leaflet claims that i) they switchover will be
done at the exchange without access to the premises, ii) I won't need
any new equipment and will keep my current handset, iii) the phone will
still work if there's a power cut . It seems (from some sources) that
this may be retained till 2030, by which time I'll be pushing up the
daisies probably.
So it's not going to be SOGEA. There are some other elderly residents in
our road who have landlines and don't want internet access.
Later on one can presumably switch to VOIP on the existing FTTP router
(though that won't be immune to power cuts). Not that I want to at the
moment. (effectively, I take it that 'wifi calling' from the mobile is
in fact a form of VOIP).
Best to all who have contributed to the discussion,
Christopher
On 15/03/2026 12:03, Peter Grant via GLLUG wrote:
On Sun, 15 Mar 2026 at 10:36, John Winters via GLLUG
<[email protected]> wrote:
BT are switching off the analogue phone system. Any remaining copper
pairs will be converted to SOGEA and will then provide a data connection
(via VDSL) over which you can piggy-back a VoIP number if you want to.
As you say, the line will no longer have an analogue phone number
associated with it.
For places where FTTP is not yet available, a data connection over SOGEA
will be BT's (and their resellers') only option.
Since (IIRC) you already have an FTTP connection there would be little
point in your copper pair being converted to SOGEA so you might well
just opt to have it disconnected at that point and your number converted
to VoIP - carried over your FTTP data connection.
John
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In this specific case, it is possible that BT would chose to use
"SOTAP for Analogue". I guess that if BT supplied a special phone to
assist Chris's wife, if they wish to change you to a VoIP service then
it is on them to provide the means to connect said phone or a
replacement special phone that can be connected directly to their VoIP
product.
I'd be curious what basis the phone is provided on, ie if the line is
cancelled would they want it back? If not and assuming it still uses a
standard BT plug, I'd be curious how it would behave plugged into an
analogue telephone adaptor so it can be connected to a standard VoIP
provider.
Peter
One reference for SOTAP for Analogue:
https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2023/11/openreach-prep-alternative-uk-analogue-style-phone-product.html
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