Back-up units will keep phones working in a power cut

The units will ensure they will continue to have a landline connection during power cuts, thanks to an agreement between the industry regulator, community groups and local provider JT. Free units will be provided to those receiving certain types of income support and those with community alarms.

JT is currently replacing its existing telecoms network, based on copper wires, with a fibre network. Customers connected to JT’s fibre network will find that their landline and community alarms won’t work in the event of a power cut. 

JT has agreed to provide battery back-up units, free of charge, for vulnerable customers. In the event of a power cut the battery unit will activate and ensure the phone will work for at least four hours. 

CICRA Director of Finance and Operations, Louise Read, said: “This is a good example of CICRA and community groups working well together to protect the interests of the most vulnerable members of society.”