PSTN switch-off deadline: 31 January 2027
The UK’s old phone network closes on 31 January 2027.
Openreach is closing the UK’s traditional copper phone network. There is no opt-out. ISDN lines end from 1 February 2027, and other old lines can move to a temporary, limited emergency service that costs more. Move now, keep your numbers, and check your alarms, card machines, lift lines and door entry systems work first.
31 Jan
days until the UK’s copper phone lines are switched off
The risk
What happens if you do nothing?
Openreach is clear: if you leave it too late, you risk losing service.
Your old lines are withdrawn
ISDN lines end from 1 February 2027. Other traditional lines are being moved off the old network in stages after the deadline.
You’re moved to a stop-gap service
Leave it too late and you may be moved to Openreach’s temporary emergency service (eVAC). It’s limited, it costs more, and it isn’t a long-term answer.
Connected equipment fails
Alarms, payment terminals, lift phones, door entry, CCTV and telecare that use your phone line can stop working without warning.
Waiting until January means competing with every other late business for engineers, installs and number ports. Don’t let the deadline decide for you.
Check your business today
Walk round your premises and look for anything plugged into a phone socket. Every one of these needs a digital alternative before 31 January 2027:
- Phone lines and ISDN phone systems
- Intruder and fire alarms
- Card payment terminals
- Lift emergency phones
- Door entry systems
- CCTV and monitoring equipment
- Telecare and health pendants
- Fax and franking machines
- Broadband that still relies on a copper phone line
Don’t get caught out in a power cut
Digital phone lines need power to work. If your business relies on a landline for emergencies, has poor mobile signal, or supports telecare or health devices, tell us — we’ll arrange battery back-up so critical lines stay up.
Full fibre is ready now
Full fibre is already available to more than 23 million UK homes and businesses. We’ll check what your address can get today.
The solution
Your options — all fully digital
We’ll recommend the best fit for your business and budget, and keep your numbers throughout.
Cloud phone system
Replace your old system with Horizon or CallSwitch — keep your numbers and gain mobile apps.
SIP trunks
Keep your existing phone system and connect it to the cloud instead of ISDN.
Teams Phone
Move calling into Microsoft Teams if your team already lives there.
Digital broadband
SoADSL, SoGEA and full fibre (FTTP) with no phone line needed.
Broadband checker
Is your address ready for digital?
Check which digital broadband connections you can get today — no phone line needed.
- Live results from our network supplier
- SoADSL, SoGEA and full fibre (FTTP)
- Ethernet leased lines checked on request
How it works
How we move you before the deadline
Fully managed, from audit to go-live.
01
Audit every line
We find every phone line and every device that depends on one — including the ones you’ve forgotten about.
02
Plan the switch
We design your digital replacement and agree a date that suits you.
03
Switch & port
We install, configure and move your numbers with no downtime for your customers.
04
Test everything
We check alarms, card machines and other devices work on the new service before we sign off.
Frequently asked questions
When is the switch-off?
31 January 2027 is the final date Openreach has set for moving off the old network. ISDN lines end from 1 February 2027.
Can I opt out or keep my old line?
No. Everyone with a traditional phone line has to move to a digital option. There is no opt-out.
What happens if I haven’t switched in time?
ISDN lines are due to end from 1 February 2027. Other traditional lines can be moved in stages to Openreach’s temporary Emergency Voice Access (eVAC) service. It’s limited, it costs more, and linked broadband may not always keep working. It isn’t a long-term answer, so it’s best to move before the deadline.
Will I lose my phone numbers?
No. We port your existing numbers to your new digital service.
What about my alarm, card machine or lift line?
Many devices need a compatible digital line or adaptor. Tell us what you have and we’ll check every one before you switch.
Will it cost more?
In most cases businesses pay less after moving to cloud voice and digital broadband, because line rental disappears.
Dates and guidance from Openreach: The Big Switch Off.
Guide The PSTN switch-off in 2027: what UK businesses need to do now →
Dates, costs, what stops working and a step-by-step plan.
31 January 2027 is not moving.
Every week you wait leaves less time to switch safely. Book your free switch-off review today and we’ll audit every line in your business — no obligation.