BT PDPL

My elderly MiL has a BT PSTN line only. What I currently understand is:

a) at some time, BT will convert the line from PSTN to PDPL using SOTAP
b) PDPL / SOTAP is a temporary stop gap until another solution is introduced or the need/demand is no longer present
c) there may be only a few providers offering a PDPL type service
d) the PSTN uses WLR but since MiL is a phone only customer she will not be subject to the WLR price nudges that will follow over the course of 2025. I think these are designed to nudge WLR + broadband customers onto a digital voice (IP based) product.

Is this correct?

Thank you

remember that SOTAP is a transitional product. Does she not use the internet at all or wanting catchup tv..

Can she get fttp ?

Edited by Taras (Sun 01-Feb-26 10:10:23)

I believe PDPL is only for edge cases where legacy equipment requires it.

I suspect if SOGEA is available and your MiL doesn't have any legacy equipment they will convert her to SOGEA.

a) Not necessarily, they may wish to switch to SOGEA/FTTP + Digital Voice
b) Mostly. It can only exist until the serving exchanges are decommissioned in the 2030s, potentially earlier if lack of demand.
c) Likely to be BT Retail only, maybe some smaller providers but I don't believe any of the other larger providers offer a phone-only product.
d) I don't believe WLR-only will be exempt from the price increases, I'd suggest a discussion with BT about migrating to PDPL rather than SOGEA/FTTP+DV - you can bring up all the negative points for the latter e.g. requires more equipment in the premises, backup power, potential telecare incompatibilities, mobile backup not being an option due to poor signal / difficult to use / requires regular charging, etc.

Thanks for the replies.

Current set-up is: BT £12.09 LR, £13.52 unlimited (Total £25.61); Age 91, memory issues (not recalling they have just called someone) so unlimited was good (in the past, regularly over 3000 mins per month - but current calls are less than 10 mins per month but could change); 3x DECT with Trucall Call Blocker/Screener. No catchup. No mobile - tried a Doro 7010 in 2021 but couldn't get along with it. There's a stairlift and house alarm but these are not connected to the NTE (afaik). Many powercuts (can be 3 or 4 times a year), although MiL lives in an urban area - and although MiL has PSTN it wouldn't work during the cuts due to DECT base not having power; problems with noisy line / cannot make calls over the last few years. One of the daughters is two doors down, and good neighbours.

I hadn't realised PDPL was for edge cases, for those with other legacy equipment and from the above, MiL is not an edge case.

FTTP is available and I could look around for (a shorter) 12m contract. MiL may need to move residence so wouldn't want a long contract because ETCs would be payable. Could look at FTTP for around £25 p/m and then VOIP with A&A. This would be about the same as current BT cost - assuming calls stay at 10 min/month. If calls increase then Voipfone do an unlimited for £20 per user per month - but now looking at £45 p/m compared with the existing £25 p/m. Probably use a HT801V2 (newer and better interface than the V1) connected to the existing TruCall base for familiarity.

If only MiL could get along with a mobile. We could just then more to VOIP and re-direct incoming calls to the mobile.

Perhaps one of the neighbours can provide a network cable to which the HT801V2 could be connected?

If MiL is with BT they should be managing this, they should fit FTTP with a router just for their Digital Voice service. There should be no need for a new 2 year contract.

That would be excellent.

It would seem unfair to increase prices for a digital phone only service compared to the current PSTN, although paying for £13 for unlimited is not very appealing but when I call there are no other plans available - although there is a 700 mins.

I'll just keep an eye out on her email and ask someone to look out for mail/letters.

Personally I would set a deadline for them to start the process and if they haven't made contact I would escalate to the CEO's office and get them to push the process.

If the Daughter has a dect phone system, could she try hers in the MiL's house see what the coverage is like, also wifi ?

That would be "cheapest " option but many potential issues and cavets.

The BT 12 month solution with aa + granstream ata may be the best solution.

You could also ups the ont, router and dec base .........then she'd be power cut off proof(ish) !

set a deadline, then contact bt, if that fails then its head office time.