The PSTN Switch Off is Coming.

Every UK home and business with a traditional landline or ADSL broadband will be affected by the PSTN switch off on 31 January 2027. The time to act is now.

What You Need To Know

What is the PSTN Switch Off?

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is the UK's traditional copper wire phone network, the same infrastructure that has carried telephone calls since the Victorian era. On 31 January 2027, Openreach will permanently switch it off.

This is primarily about phone lines. Traditional landlines, ISDN business lines, and ADSL broadband all rely on the copper phone network. When it goes, they go with it. If you have a modern fibre or 4G connection you are already ahead of the game.

For official government guidance on the switch off visit the GOV.UK PSTN information page.

31 Jan 2027

Official PSTN switch off date

5.2M

UK customers still on the PSTN

45%

Rise in PSTN resilience incidents in 2024

What Will Stop Working?

Anything that relies on the old copper phone network will stop working when the PSTN switches off. Here is what you need to check.

Traditional Landlines Any phone plugged into a standard BT phone socket will stop working. This includes home phones, desk phones and cordless handsets on the analogue network.

ADSL Broadband ADSL runs over the copper phone line. When the phone line goes, your ADSL broadband goes with it. You will need to move to a fibre or 4G connection.

ISDN Business Lines ISDN2 and ISDN30 lines used by businesses for phone systems will be permanently withdrawn. New ISDN orders have already been stopped since September 2023.

Alarms and Security Systems Burglar alarms, fire alarms and door entry systems that use a phone line to send alerts will stop working and need upgrading to an IP compatible alternative.

Card Payment Terminals Older chip and PIN machines that process payments over a phone line will stop working and need replacing with internet or mobile based alternatives.

Telecare and Personal Alarms Fall alarms and personal emergency devices used by elderly or vulnerable people that connect via a phone line must be reviewed and migrated before the deadline.

What Do You Need To Do?

The good news is that switching to digital is straightforward with the right support. January 2027 may feel a long way off but migrations take time to plan, especially for businesses with multiple lines and devices. The earlier you start the smoother it will be.

Audit What You Have List every device and service that uses a phone line. Broadband, phones, alarms, card machines and anything else connected to the copper network.

Upgrade Your Broadband If you are on ADSL you need to move to a connection that does not rely on the copper phone line, such as FTTP full fibre or 4G and 5G broadband.

Switch to VoIP Replace your traditional phone line with a VoIP digital phone service. You keep your existing number and gain features your old landline could never offer.

Review Other Equipment Alarms, door entry, card machines and any other devices using a phone line all need reviewing and upgrading before the deadline.

How Cader Networks Can Help

We help homes and businesses across rural Wales and the UK migrate away from the PSTN before the 2027 deadline. No jargon, no unnecessary upselling, just an honest assessment of what you need and a straightforward plan to get there. We specialise in rural properties where the big providers often fall short.

FTTP full fibre broadband where available Full fibre to the premises is the fastest and most future-proof replacement for copper based broadband. We supply and manage FTTP connections across rural Wales and beyond.

4G and 5G broadband where fibre cannot reach For rural properties that cannot get FTTP we supply reliable 4G and 5G broadband solutions that are fully PSTN switch off ready and copper independent.

VoIP digital phone lines for homes and businesses We supply and configure VoIP phone systems that replace your existing landline completely. Keep your number, upgrade your features and cut your monthly costs.

Free honest advice with no obligation Not sure what you need? Get in touch and we will tell you exactly what is affected at your property and what your options are. No charge, no sales pressure.

Common Questions

When is the PSTN switch off happening? +

The PSTN will be permanently switched off on 31 January 2027. The deadline was previously December 2025 but was delayed to allow more time to safely migrate vulnerable customers. There is no guarantee of a further delay so now is the time to act.

Will I keep my existing phone number? +

Yes. Your existing phone number can be transferred to your new VoIP service via a process called number porting. You do not need to change your number when you switch to digital.

Does the PSTN switch off affect my broadband? +

It depends on what type of broadband you have. If you are on ADSL then yes, your broadband will be affected as it relies on the copper phone line. If you already have FTTP full fibre or 4G and 5G broadband then you are not affected on the broadband side.

What if I live in a rural area with no fibre? +

This is exactly the situation we specialise in. Where FTTP is not available we can provide reliable 4G or 5G broadband as a copper-free alternative. We cover rural properties across Powys, Gwynedd, Ceredigion and beyond.

Will my phone work in a power cut after the switch off? +

Unlike traditional landlines, digital phone lines require power to work. Ofcom requires providers to supply at least one hour of battery backup to ensure access to emergency services. We can advise on suitable backup power options for your property.

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