If you are a “vulnerable” customer under the definition of the Telecommunications Act 2001 and the “111 Contact Code”, you might be entitled to an alternative means to contact 111 in a power cut at no cost to you. A landline service provider cannot terminate your landline phone service on the basis that you are or may become a “vulnerable” person.
To qualify as a “vulnerable” person you must be at particular risk of requiring 111 services such as:
- a known applicable medical condition
- be exposed to family violence
- have certain disabilities
This must be confirmed by a competent person or evidence, and you must have no other means to contact 111 in the event of a power cut, i.e. you have no mobile phone and no power back that lasts for the minimum period of 8 hours. An application form must be filled in full and submitted to us.
You can find the application form here. (Right-click the link and choose “Save link As…” to download a printable PDF form)
Once we receive a completed form, we will accept or decline your application within 10 working days. If it is declined, we will inform you of the reason, if it is accepted, we will provide you with an alternative means to contact 111 in July 2021. If you disagree with the decision you can lay a complaint with us. Failing a resolution with us, you can contact Telecommunication Dispute Resolution (TDR)