Landline phones will switch off across Britland in 100 days, no extensions

Openreach says the UK’s legacy public switched telephone network will be retired on January 31, 2027, with no further postponement. The copper-based system carries not only traditional landline calls but also services such as payment terminals, fire and security alarms, and personal care alarms. Customers who still want a home phone will generally need to connect it to a broadband router and use a digital voice service. Where fiber is unavailable, some customers may instead receive a transitional service that lets them continue using their existing phone line. The shutdown is part of the shift to digital, fiber-based communications, planned for years and already delayed once to protect vulnerable people who depend on services such as TeleCare.

Openreach warns that customers still using the old network risk disruption, while businesses that leave migration late may face extra costs and difficulty securing engineering support. Although most straightforward migrations are complete, remaining connections can be complex and require audits, supplier coordination, and testing. Telecoms and Age UK representatives say awareness remains insufficient and providers must actively reach customers, especially older, unwell, isolated, or scam-wary people, and offer practical help rather than leaving them to manage the change alone. Customers are urged to contact their provider promptly to confirm what they use and arrange a safe transition.