A Lisbellaw woman has leveled criticism at BT
ISSUES surrounding new postcodes in Fermanagh continue to plague local people after a telecommunication company told an old age pensioner her new contact details would not be updated unless she supplied an email address.
A letter sent from BT (British Telecommunications) to the elderly woman states that the company is updating their contact database and requires all of their details, including address, telephone and email address.
However, Imelda Maguire, whose 85-year-old mother received one of the letters, has spoken out against BT saying that her elderly mother doesn’t use or have access to the internet.
Ms Maguire, who lives in Lisbellaw, stated that she filled out the form and returned it to BT, however, she was then told it was compulsory to include an email account.
She accused the company of “forcing her mother” to acquire one after she was told emergency services use the same database and it was urgent to complete the form.
“After they asked for details of her new address and to fill out an application form I sent it back but they told me it would not be fully completed and accepted unless I included an email address but neither myself or my mother have access to the internet, nor have an email address,” she said.
“I was then told to go on to Google and get one but I said I didn’t have access to the internet in my house. It’s a catch-22 situation.
“I am just concerned about any old age pensioners as they may be forced to get an email address which they will never use it or know how to, particularly when it’s just not necessary.
“I’m concerned other elderly people are having the same problems as my mother.
“The letter also states they are updating details for the emergency services and need all the correct details so again that puts pressure on elderly and disabled people to get it done.
“They are forcing it down their throats and we have found the whole process extremely distressing.
“I think they are being very ignorant towards people who don’t have the internet or know how to use it. It’s beyond belief and they’re using scare tactics to get people to do this.”
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