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The landline switch-off in Ireland

Not confirmed. eir plans to switch off its copper network exchange area by exchange area "over the coming years", as fibre spreads; ComReg gives no national date. Home phones move from the copper line (PSTN) to calls over broadband (VoIP). Source

What changes

  • ComReg says the copper network "will eventually be switched off", Exchange Area by Exchange Area, over the coming years; no date is given. Source
  • ComReg's guidance (24/76) says providers must explain the change of voice service from PSTN to VoIP, and possible changes to equipment and telephone handsets. Source

Who and what is at risk

  • ComReg says the new service won't work in a temporary power cut, unlike a copper line, and customers may need a battery back-up (from electrical retailers) or a mobile phone to call emergency services. Source
  • ComReg names customers with monitored medical alarms as "Critical Customers" at high risk in the migration, and also flags security and fire alarms wired to the copper line. Source
  • The Irish Security Industry Association reported (January 2022) that open eir's exchange upgrades (MSAN replacing the old PSTN) caused some alarm communicators to fail lab tests; it covers intruder, fire, panic and medical alarms. Source

Help and protections

  • Where a monitored medical alarm won't work on the new connection, providers must not disconnect a Critical Customer until a working solution is in place. Source
  • Under ComReg Decision D09/23, eir must give at least 3 months' Confirmation Notice before a switch-off (Phase 1 or 2) takes place. Source

A home phone that doesn't need the line

Home phones with a SIM card make calls over the mobile network instead. See the ones sold in Ireland that we've confirmed on each network.

Or carry a plain mobile: easy-to-use phones for older people and other simple phones, each checked against your network.