The landline switch-off in the UK
Switching off: by 31 January 2027. The Openreach copper phone network (PSTN) is being switched off, with all traditional phone lines going digital by 31 January 2027. Calls move to a digital line that usually runs through your broadband router. Source
What changes
- Openreach says that on 31 January 2027 all traditional phone lines go digital, and the phone service will usually work through a broadband router. Source
- Most BT customers unplug their existing phone from the wall socket and plug it into their Smart Hub 2 on switch-over day; a free adaptor is offered if you can't reach the back of the hub. Source
- Government guidance says that for broadband customers the change "may be as simple as plugging your phone into your broadband router", and that PSTN-reliant devices must be upgraded by January 2027. Source
- Customers who haven't switched in time may be moved to EVAc, which Openreach describes as a temporary emergency voice-only service that keeps basic calls working for a limited time. Source
- BT says it is still working on solutions for customers with no broadband, and that they won't pay more than they do today. Source
Who and what is at risk
- Digital phone lines need mains power; Openreach says to tell your provider if you need battery back-up. Source
- BT says Digital Voice won't work in a power cut or broadband outage, including 999 calls, and recommends keeping a charged mobile as back-up. Source
- Telecare users (personal alarms) are named as at risk; government guidance also lists alarm systems and door entry systems as devices that need upgrading. Source
Help and protections
- PSTN Charter (updated 22 January 2026): no telecare user is migrated until the provider, customer or telecare company confirms a compatible, working telecare solution is in place. Source
- PSTN Charter: signatories won't make non-voluntary migrations until confident vulnerable people are protected. Source
- PSTN Charter: where battery back-up is provided, providers will work to go beyond the Ofcom minimum of 1 hour of continued access to emergency services in a power cut. Source
- Providers are giving telecare users extra support, including free engineer visits, and battery back-ups for telecare devices and landlines where needed. Source
- BT says customers who need extra support may be offered a back-up unit (the page does not say whether it is free). 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 the UK 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.