Openreach is replacing traditional copper phone lines (PSTN) and ISDN with digital, internet-based services. The switch-off is due to finish by January 2027.
What it affects
- traditional phone lines and ISDN
- broadband that relies on a phone line (ADSL and FTTC)
- anything plugged into a phone socket: alarms, card machines, fax machines, door entry, lift lines and franking machines
What to do
- List what uses your phone lines — not just phones.
- Move your calls to a digital phone system, such as Horizon or PhoneLine+. You can keep your numbers.
- Move your broadband to Full Fibre or SoGEA — see FTTP, SoGEA and SoADSL explained.
- Check alarms, card machines and other equipment with their suppliers — see Alarms, card machines and fax on digital lines.
More on our switch-off page, or call us for a free review.