Carlisle MP Julie Minns has met with the telecoms minister over the impact of the Public Service Telephone Network (PSTN) switch off in rural communities.

Britain’s analogue phone system – run on traditional copper lines – is to be phased out by January 2027 meaning an end to the traditional, analogue, landline phone.

The existing network, called the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), will be withdrawn.

The PSTN is an aging network that is becoming harder and more expensive to maintain.

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Landline phones will work on a digital phone line, but concerns have been raised about its suitability in remote locations.

Julie Minns said: “I asked the Minister to look at how the telecoms operators might work with the electricity distribution networks to identify customers who would be vulnerable in the event of a power cut leaving them without the ability to call 999 services.”