Review the digitisation of UK telephone lines

263
signatures
closedDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyOpened 17 February 2026Closed 17 August 2026

Background

Copper land lines, while ‘old technology’, provide resilience and mitigation for poor cellphone signal in many rural areas, and work during power cuts. We think digital rollout is a national strategic risk and should be subject to a review.

Additional details

Storm Goretti left many Cornish households without electricity for up to 4 days. Digital phone lines do not work during power cuts, leaving people unable to seek help when their homes are damaged by storms or check on vulnerable relatives. We believe land lines need to be independent of electrical supplies and function during power cuts.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 756771.