In reply to a post by MHC:

The key to it all is the FTTP installation date which has to coincide with a visit and as he is on the Priority Services Register they should not cancel at the last minute

This sound difficult but when signing up I would try to arrange a fixed date for the instalation, as part of the contract, and I would set a date way in advance of the maximum lead time so that there is no excuse not to keep to it.

I don't know what the instalation lead times are but Plusnet should be able to let you know the maximum lead time, (eg. in 6 weeks), and with that knowledge in the circumstances you could arrange a fixed date two weeks after the maximum lead time, (eg. in 8 weeks time), letting them know the specified date needs to be kept to as it is the only day that you have availability to allow them access.

It sounds difficult. - I hope it works out.

May I ask a question: is this because of the loss of Copper Phone Lines?

I ask because a 95 year old will probably not want the change and copper lines work if the mains power goes off while VOIP will not.

If it is mainly down to the end of Copper Phone Lines, (as I understand it Openreach will allow the Copper Phone Line to stay in such circumstances., (ie. For a vulnerable customer).

https://www.openreach.com/fibre-broadband/retiring-t...

Kind Regards,
Fido

In reply to a post by MHC:

How will getting him a mobile helop those calling him? It will NOT. You try telling several 95 + year olds with short term memory issues that their friend has a new phone number. It will not work.


And read the original post. FTTP will be installed alongside FTTC, so another account already.

You did not say how old they are and if they had short term memory loss, we have a customer who is 98 I think, and he uses his phone to shop. i realise that others may not be like him and some younger ones are not as well as he is

Other people can call mobile phones, this is the way things are going, not that i agree with it.
what you must also remember is that Voip will not work in a power cut or if there is a problem with the broadband.
As for the new install, I did miss that part.
I hope it goes well.

In reply to a post by MHC:

What are people currently seeing as the actual FTTP lead times?

2 - 4 weeks, depending on the area.

Could you explain why the requirement to use Plusnet? You've presumably explained that Plusnet don't sell voice with FTTP? Is it because the current service provider is Plusnet?

If voice is important then maybe the easiest solution here, although I hate to say it, is to go with BT (or Sky or Vodafone or Zen). It would de-risk both the FTTP installation and the keeping of the voice number.

The reason I would suggest BT is because voice is a core part of their business, and priority services is a core part of their business. (At least, they are *supposed* to have a dedicated team for this - we've also heard terrible tales of BT mis-selling ridiculous packages to elderly people who don't need them)

Yes, you will pay more. It's something to weigh up against how much inconvenience would come from a failed installation visit and/or failed number port.

Changing to a mobile *could* also be a solution. It's possible to forward an 01 number to a mobile (although you pay per minute), or have a recorded message telling the caller the new number to dial.

In reply to a post by zyborg47:

what i meant is just to use a mobile phone, forget about porting the number. Older people cope with things better than you think

Its a shame you don't 🤣

As long as the voip is fine, MHC's plan is a good one, and one with little issue. Just remember going to a closed system like digital voice has its drawbacks .

Orders from above: PlusNet - a Yorkshire brand. So, no choice.

Seperate install and contract, with FTTC continuing.

I have found PNs Priority Services team to be excellent - call in an issue at 15:00 on a Friday, then got OR out by 08:00 Saturday

Ultimately, the PSTN will close down end of 2025 so anyone wishing to retain a 'landline' will have to go to a VOIP service of some kind, be it over copper or fibre or something else.
Copper lines will be with us for years to come. Most people probably will not have a full fibre connection until years after the PSTN closure anyway.

Dect that wasn't very nice!