The Public Switched Telephone Network Charter
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The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) charter sets out a voluntary agreement between the government and communication providers to protect vulnerable people when they are moved onto digital services. WightFibre has committed to this charter and will adhere to the same regulations as of the 13th March 2024.
WightFibre’s Commitment:
Despite the introduction of the PSTN charter, WightFibre has already completed its copper switch-off in 2022. If you missed the announcement, read our press release from 30 August 2022 here: https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/newsroom/WightFibre/release/103123/wightfibre-is-the-first-uk-telecommunications-operator-in-the-uk/. WightFibre already supports our vulnerable customers by offering Battery Back-up for Phone Line and Priority Faulty Repair. You can read more about how we support our Vulnerable Customers here: https://www.wightfibre.com/legal-information/codes-of-practice/supporting-vulnerable-customers/ .A lot of our WightFibre vulnerable customers also qualify for our Social Tariff, Essential Broadband, giving them full-fibre broadband that works – guaranteed, at a lower monthly cost. To read more about our Social Tariff and check if you qualify click here: https://www.wightfibre.com/social-tariff-wightfibre-essential-broadband/. If you would like more information about how we provide accessibility support and services for our most vulnerable customers and to find out how you can register with us please click here: https://www.wightfibre.com/priority/
To read more about the charter you can click here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-switched-telephone-network-charter/public-switched-telephone-network-charter
The Charter:
We, as Communications Providers, commit to the following:
1. We will not undertake any non-voluntary migrations to digital landlines, until we have full confidence that we are taking all possible steps to protect vulnerable people through the migration process.
2. No telecare users will be migrated to digital landline services without us, the customer, or the telecare company confirming that they have a compatible and functioning telecare solution in place.
3. Where battery back-up solutions are provided, we will work to provide solutions that go beyond the Ofcom minimum of 1 hour of continued, uninterrupted access to emergency services in the event of a power outage.
4. We will collectively work with Ofcom and Government to create a shared definition of ‘vulnerable’ customer groups that require greater support, specific to the digital landline migration.
5. We will conduct additional checks on customers who have already been non-voluntarily migrated to ensure they do not have telecare devices we were unaware of, and if they do, ensure suitable support is provided.
