By January 2027, the UK’s traditional landline system – the one that runs on old copper wires – is being phased out. Instead, most phone calls will be made over a broadband connection. The good news? Your phone number won’t change, and most handsets will still work. In a lot of cases, you’ll just plug your phone into your broadband router instead of the wall.
And for some people, that’s all there is to it. But if you rely on your landline – especially in an emergency – or use it for devices like pendant alarms, telecare systems, or home security, there are a few things you’ll want to check.
This change is happening because the old network, known as the PSTN, is outdated. It’s a bit like the switch from analogue to digital TV – a modern upgrade that brings better reliability and support.
But there’s one key difference: digital landlines need electricity to work. So if there’s a power cut, your phone won’t work unless you’ve got a mobile – or a backup option. If you don’t use broadband or can’t rely on a mobile, don’t worry. Your phone company can offer support, like a battery backup unit that keeps your phone working long enough to phone for help. But you need to let them know about your situation – and the sooner the better.
That’s the most important step: if you depend on your landline, tell your phone provider. Mention any telecare devices, alarm systems, or if you live in an area with poor mobile coverage. They’ll guide you through what you need to do.
It’s also a good idea to speak to your telecare or alarm provider. Some older devices might not work with the new system without a simple adapter or upgrade.
The digital switchover has already begun and will roll out fully by January 2027. Your provider will contact you before anything changes, and with a few checks, the switch should be smooth.
Know someone who depends on their landline? Share this with them. Pass it on to family, friends, neighbours, and carers. Let’s help everyone stay safe and connected – wherever they are.
One last thing – watch out for scams. Big national changes often create opportunities for fraudsters. Don’t share personal details with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. If something doesn’t feel right, hang up and ring the company back using their official number.
The technology that we use today to make traditional phone calls is changing. The old analogue technology (copper wires) is out of date and will be replaced with a digital network, also known as an ‘IP network’.
The copper network (set-up in Victorian times) it out of date. It’s decades old and the aging infrastructure and maintaining it is becoming too expensive to keep up.
To meet modern needs, telecommunications providers are moving their customers onto more future-proof telephone services like full fibre and mobile.
Where possible, new services will be run over fibre optic (full fibre) connections. These offer faster speeds, and are more reliable and resilient that the copper networks. Phone calls will be carried over a digital line using a broadband router – in the same way your internet works.
This is happening now, with the switch off of the copper services taking place in early 2027.
Since 2018, telecoms companies have worked collaboratively with industry, the communications regulator Ofcom, Government, and industry bodies representing security, health and critical national infrastructure who use the analogue network to prepare them for this change.
Anything that works off the old phone line network, like your landline, telecare system, and maybe even your burglar alarm.
To get technical, all Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) products such as WLR3 analogue, ISDN 2, ISDN 30, LLU SMPF, SLU SMPF, Narrowband Line Share and Classic products. When the PSTN closes, these products will no longer be available.
As the switchover is affecting millions of homes, this can create opportunities for criminals to try to scam people. These could be over the phone, email, or on your doorstep. The digital switchover will be free of charge, and no one should ask you for any payments – if they do, please report them to the Police using 101 and to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. If your bank account was used in a scam, contact your bank as soon as possible.
Other unscrupulous people might also try to sell you equipment or get you to sign up to expensive contracts that you don’t need. Don’t rush into any decisions, ask for a second opinion, and speak to your phone company or service provider who will be to help.
Your phone provider should be in touch with you to let you know when your services are due to change and what, if anything, you need to do. You can always contact them too – at any time – using the customer service details on any documents from them like your bill.
You can also the digital switchover website for more information, advice and support.
