UK telecoms firms told to safeguard at-risk customers in switch to digital landlines

Telecare alert and control systems for vulnerable people. Some telecare devices are not compatible with digital phones. Photograph: Graham Turner/The Guardian

Telecoms providers have been forced to pause plans to impose digital phone lines on vulnerable customers after reports of pensioners left unable to call for help during power cuts.

Companies including BT and Virgin Media have been forced by Michelle Donelan, the technology secretary, to sign a charter to safeguard at-risk households during the nationwide switchover from analogue to internet-based landlines.