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UK — The Register

Landline phones will switch off across Britland in 100 days, no extensions – Openreach

Policy1 min read

Openreach, the part of BT that runs Britain's phone lines, says the old landline network will be switched off on January 31, 2027. It says the date will not be pushed back. Customers still using the old system could face service problems.

The landline switch-off is coming

Openreach sent a warning letter to phone companies that use its network. The old public switched telephone network (PSTN) will be retired at the end of January 2027. Phone services, alarms and payment machines that depend on this old network could stop working if they are not moved first.

Key facts

  • The old network will be switched off on January 31, 2027.
  • The deadline is about 100 days away from the article date.
  • Openreach says the deadline will not be postponed.
  • Openreach has already delayed the deadline at least once.

Why the old network is going

The old phone network runs on copper cables. The government wants Britain to move to fast fiber-optic networks. Many homes now use only mobile phones. Households that keep a landline must plug their phone into a broadband router to use a Digital Voice service.

Why it matters

The switch-off affects more than home phones. Fire alarms, security alarms, card payment machines and personal care alarms for older or sick people may also be affected. Experts and charities say many people still do not know about the change, so they need clear help to stay connected.

What to watch

  • Check with your phone or broadband provider now.
  • Look for Openreach's information page about the switch-off.
  • Watch for campaigns that reach older and vulnerable people.
  • Watch whether vulnerable customers, such as those using TeleCare, get extra support in time.

Glossary

Openreach
The part of BT that owns and runs the phone and broadband lines used by many UK providers.
PSTN
Public switched telephone network, the old phone system that uses copper cables.
Digital Voice
A way to make phone calls over a broadband connection instead of the old copper line.
TeleCare
A phone-based care alarm service that helps elderly or vulnerable people call for help.

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