Tag: telecommunications

The future is calling!

150 years since the first phone call was made, the lines are about to go silent

Exactly 150 years since the first telephone call was made by the Scottish innovator, Alexander Graham Bell, one West Lothian telecommunications company is urging people to future-proof their phone systems before the lines go quiet forever.  

Born in Edinburgh, the revered inventor, scientist and engineer Alexander Graham Bell was granted a patent for “transmitting vocal or other sounds telegraphically” on 7th March 1876, and three days later on 10th March, he made the first ever telephone call to his assistant Thomas Watson.

This landmark moment in history transformed the way we communicate, replacing slow, written correspondence with instant, real-time conversations. 

But as our communication needs have continued to evolve, the traditional phone system is no longer able to keep pace. And so in January 2027, BT Openreach will shut down the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN), the technology behind analogue landline phones. 

Commenting on the PSTN switch-off, Workflo Solutions’ managing director Michael Field said; “This change has been deemed necessary because the network of traditional copper lines is no longer equipped to handle the demands of today’s advanced digital world.

“Bandwidth limitations restrict its ability to support features such as video conferencing and data sharing – crucial tools for modern businesses. And maintaining this ageing infrastructure has become increasingly expensive and impractical.”

Any equipment that currently uses the PSTN will stop working in January 2027. From phonelines to security alarms, door entry systems to CCTV, any technology that relies on the old copper lines will be affected.

And so to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the very first phone call, the telecommunications experts at Workflo Solutions are urging people to move to a single, digital Internet Protocol (IP) network that primarily uses full-fibre connections.

Described by Workflo Solutions as the next generation of business communication, IP leverages the power and flexibility of the internet to deliver voice, data and video services over a single, high-speed fibre optic network. This shift to IP signifies a major technological leap forward in terms of speed, reliability and functionality.

Speaking ahead of the150th anniversary of the first phone call, Michael Field said; “That iconic dial tone, the audio signal that once indicated when the exchange was ready for a number, is set to go silent in just a matter of months. So it is imperative that businesses act now to avoid disruption as the UK moves to a fully digital telecommunications system.

“The 150thanniversary of the first telephone call serves as an important reminder of just how reliant we have become on instant, uninterrupted communications. The future is calling, but if you’re unsure what you need to do to keep up with these technological developments, don’t worry.

“Workflo Solutions is offering free assessments to help guide businesses through this important transition to ensure the changeover is as seamless as possible.”

Businesses can book their free PSTN switch-off readiness audit at www.workflo-solutions.co.uk/pstn-switch-off-readiness-audit.

Lazarowicz anger over broadband ‘notspots’

Mark Lazarowicz MP attacks buck passing by Government and providers

broadband

Mark Lazarowicz MP has attacked the buck passing by Government and broadband providers that is denying numerous properties access to superfast broadband that is vital to Edinburgh’s economic future. 

Speaking after a Westminster debate on the subject, Mr Lazarowicz said: “I am repeatedly contacted by constituents living in different parts of my constituency ranging from the City Centre to North Edinburgh and the waterfront area who can’t get access to superfast broadband.

“It’s a vital part of economic infrastructure for businesses, the many people working from home as well as for anyone to access information and government services.

“Sometimes, developers may not install cable when converting or building properties but then the broadband provider won’t connect them either because of the cost.

“The Government says it won’t provide public funding where superfast broadband can be provided commercially but broadband providers won’t do it because they say it is not commercial for them to do so.

“It’s high time broadband providers and the UK and Scottish Governments took action: if private providers won’t tackle the notspots Government must act because it is too important to Edinburgh’s economy to leave people in our city unable to access superfast broadband.”

Mr Lazarowicz has raised this issue in Parliament on a number of occasions but the Government has simply pointed to the funding it is providing with the Scottish Government following suit in highlighting its partnership with BT in rolling out access.

The UK Government’s target is superfast broadband should be available to 95% of properties by 2017 – but there is no statutory obligation for developers to install broadband cable in new build properties let alone converted buildings.

The North & Leith MP’s speech can be found here.

Government to crack down on nuisance call companies

Companies making unwanted marketing calls to be hit with fines of up to £500,000

phone keypad

‘Have you been mis-sold PPP insurance?’

‘If you could replace any of the windows in your home …’

‘Have you heard about the government’s boiler replacement scheme’

‘Injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault?’

Consumers plagued by nuisance calls and texts will benefit from changes to the law which will make it easier for those firms responsible to be hit with fines of up to £500,000.

The law currently requires the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to prove a company caused ‘substantial damage or substantial distress’ by their conduct before action can be taken. Following a six-week public consultation, the Government is now removing this legal threshold, giving the ICO the power to intervene in more cases. This change will come into effect from 6 April 2015.

The Government also confirmed it will look at introducing measures to hold board level executives responsible for nuisance calls and texts. This follows a report from the Which?-led taskforce last December, which called for a review of the rules in order to act as a stronger deterrent to rogue companies.

Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey said: “For far too long companies have bombarded people with unwanted marketing calls and texts, and escaped punishment because they did not cause enough harm.

“This change will make it easier for the Information Commissioner’s Office to take action against offenders and send a clear message to others that harassing consumers with nuisance calls or texts is just not on. We’re also going to look at whether the powers the ICO have to hold to account board level executives for such behaviour are sufficient or we need to do more.

The Government is committed to tackling the problem of nuisance calls. In July last year, the rules were changed to make it easier for Ofcom to share information with the ICO on companies breaking the law. This is already helping in the ICO’s efforts in taking more action. In addition, the Government is looking to introduce mandatory caller line identification (CLI) so that all marketing callers will have to display their telephone numbers.

Which? executive director, Richard Lloyd, who chaired the Nuisance Calls Task Force said: “We welcome the Government making good on its promise to change the law so it’s easier to prosecute nuisance callers.

“These calls are an everyday menace blighting the lives of millions so we want the regulator to send a clear message by using their new powers to full effect without delay.

“It’s also good news that the Government has listened to our call and is looking into how senior executives can be held to account if their company makes nuisance calls.

Justice and Civil Liberties Minister Simon Hughes said: “Being pestered by unwanted marketing calls and texts can bring real misery for the people on the receiving end. We have already increased the level of fine available to punish rogue companies. This new change in the law will make it easier from now on for the Information Commissioner to take quick and firm action against companies who give so much grief to so many people.”

Nuisance calls and texts remains a significant concern for consumers – in some cases they are not only annoying, but can also cause distress especially amongst vulnerable people in society. The latest data and research shows that:

  • Around four out of five people surveyed by consumer group Which? said they are regularly cold-called at home, with a third of them left feeling intimidated.
  • There were 15,642 complaints related to nuisance calls and texts made to the ICO in November 2014, of which solar panel accounted for 2,377, whilst for PPI the figure was 1,830.
  • In total there were over 175,000 complaints related to nuisance calls and texts made to the ICO for 2014.

Currently the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has powers to take enforcement action against companies who flout the existing rules on direct marketing. Since January 2012, the ICO has taken enforcement action against nine companies for nuisance calls and text messages, hitting them with fines totalling £815,000.

Separately, Ofcom has powers to deal with abandoned and silent calls by taking action against offenders that persistently misuse a network or service resulting in annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety. Since 2012, Ofcom has fined seven companies totalling £1,618,000 for abandoned and silent calls.

Edinburgh West MP Mike Crockart Mike is the founder and Co-Chair of the All Party Group on Nuisance Calls and he has worked closely with the regulators, consumer groups and the Government to ensure consumers are protected from nuisance calls and spam text messages.

He spearheaded the campaign to reform the laws, saying: “I am fed up of nuisance calls to my landline and mobile as well as unsolicited texts. People shouldn’t have to put up with this menace which puts many vulnerable and elderly people at risk of fraud just as much as if the crook or pushy salesman was turning up at their door.

“I am calling for the Information Commissioner’s powers to be strengthened to take in all forms of unsolicited contact and for there to be a single, simple point of contact for any individual wishing to protect their privacy from unwanted calls, texts, faxes and emails.”

The Lib-Dem MP urged members of the public to join a campaign to encourage the government to take action to curb the activities of the nuisance call companies. It seems those voices have been heard – and now we’ll have to wait to see (or hear) what effect the latest government action will have on the nuisance callers. Will the phones go quiet?

Now, who do I call about double glazing …