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<p>DCMS has frequent discussions with the BT Group, and others, to discuss a range
of issues, including resilience to storms and the migration to Voice-over-Internet
Protocol (VoIP).</p><p>Through the Electronic Communications Resilience & Response
Group, DCMS is working with Ofcom, BT, and other providers to complete a Post-Incident
Review following Storms Arwen, Malik and Corrie. We will carefully consider the findings
and work with the telecoms sector to understand where improvements can be made in
future.</p><p>DCMS is also engaged in regular discussions with BT and other providers
regarding the migration from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to VoIP
services. The PSTN is an outdated technology, and becoming difficult to replace and
repair due to a lack of spare parts. Given it cannot be maintained, it will become
increasingly unreliable.</p><p>While the PSTN upgrade is an industry-led process,
the government is also working with Ofcom to ensure consumers and sectors are protected
and prepared for the upgrade process. This also includes close engagement with the
emergency services, such as the Police, the NHS and the Fire Brigade.</p>
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