East Yorkshire-based KCOM has welcomed a national charter that will ensure vulnerable people are not left behind by the digital upgrade of phone networks across the UK.
The company has signed up to the charter, which was instigated by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, to ensure vulnerable people remain protected and connected as the nation’s phone networks are upgraded from old copper wiring to fibre.
A KCOM spokesperson said: “As a responsible provider we’re committed to ensuring that no customer is left behind as we continue upgrading our landline phone network and making it fit to face the future.
“We have already done a huge amount of work to ensure that vulnerable customers are informed about what the switchover means for them and are providing personal engineer visits to those who need extra help to ensure their phonelines and telecare lifelines are in full working order when they are switched.
“We have worked extensively with local councils and community groups to reach the most vulnerable in our communities and also partnered with Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire to make sure older people in our area are fully informed about the upgrade process – and have extra help available when they need it.
“We absolutely welcome this initiative from the Technology Secretary to enshrine protections for the vulnerable in a charter and we will continue to do everything we can to make sure that no-one is left behind by the switchover.”
