Question reference: S5W-01190
- Asked by: Michael Russell, MSP for Argyll and Bute, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 4 July 2016
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Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 29 July 2016
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what advice it has provided to telecare commissioners and providers regarding possible issues regarding continuity of service arising from the pending analogue switch-off by BT.
Answer
The reports mentioned in the answer to question S5W-01189 on 29 July 2016 contain this advice. The Scottish Government is acutely aware that continuity of services is paramount to the estimated 160,000 people who rely on a telecare service.
Following discussion with the Swedish Government and Swedish providers, where this shift has already commenced, we are aware that a small number of existing analogue devices do not function correctly on a digital network. Individual services would therefore need to test each legacy device to ensure its safety. Part of the trial site developments going forward will involve such testing as required to ensure that continuity of service provision is maintained throughout any transition that needs to take place.
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