All guidance
Communications
Digital landlines and care alarms
Ask the right providers how calls and alarms will work without mains electricity.
UK. Support depends on your service and needs. Confirm the arrangements and equipment directly with providers. Sources checked 24 October 2026.
What changes during a power cut?
Digital handsets and routers need power from your home. Without suitable backup, digital landline calls and connected telecare devices may not work.
If you depend on your landline and have no working mobile or reliable signal, ask your phone provider about a free solution for emergency-call access during a power cut. Ask what it covers, how long it lasts and how it is maintained.
Speak to both providers
- Tell your phone provider and your alarm or telecare provider about connected equipment.
- Ask whether the equipment is compatible and what backup power and network arrangements it needs.
- Agree a check-in and fallback plan with the person using the equipment and their care team.
- Write provider contacts on paper. Do not rely on a router, alarm or mobile network continuing indefinitely.