DEVON County Council is urging people who use telecare equipment to check with their provider and telephone company before landlines go digital in January.

The existing analogue technology will be switched off and calls made via broadband internet instead. You should be able to keep your telephone number and handset. If you don’t have broadband, your network provider should provide a connection free of charge.

According to the government, some older telecare devices which rely on traditional landlines may need to be checked or upgraded to continue working as expected.

Telecare devices include personal alarm pendants, fall detectors and monitored alarms.

If you use telecare equipment, or know someone who does, contact the organisation that provides the equipment and let your telephone provider know.

Councillor Richard Keeling (Lib Dem, Chudleigh and Teign Valley) said: “This change to the telephone network is happening across the country, and for most people it will be straightforward.

"Our advice is simply to check with your telecare provider and your telephone company if you use equipment such as a personal alarm or falls detector.

“They can advise whether any action is needed and provide support if required.

"There's no need to worry, but it is worth checking now so that you can continue using services that help you stay independent.”

Communications providers are responsible for contacting their customers about the digital switchover and arranging any necessary migration.

Residents who use telecare equipment should respond to these communications and make sure their provider knows about any devices connected to their phone service.

Telephones will not work if there is a power cut under the new digital system. If you do not have a mobile phone, or a weak mobile signal at home, providers can send you a backup landline battery or a free mobile phone with a signal booster.