(Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
Residents are being urged to prepare for major changes to the UK’s home phone network.
North Yorkshire households in Gargrave, Huby, and York’s Melrosegate area are among the latest to be included in Openreach’s digital switchover programme.
It will see the current analogue Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) replaced with Digital Voice services by January 31, 2027.
Bryn Thompson, director at Phonely, a UK provider of digital landline services, said: "For many households across North Yorkshire, the home phone is still an important part of everyday life.
"The good news is that, for most people, it's possible to keep both the number they've had for years and the handset they're familiar with."
Openreach is currently working to replace the copper phone network with newer digital technology.
Communications providers will contact customers in advance of the switch, giving them time to prepare and ask questions.
Mr Thompson said: "The important thing is to understand what's changing before your provider gets in touch, rather than leaving everything until the last minute.
"The biggest thing we would encourage people to do is ask questions."
Residents are advised to check with their telecare provider before switching, and to verify the source of any communication before sharing personal or financial information.