Openreach says UK landlines will switch off in 100 days

Openreach has reminded users that the UK’s legacy landline network is due to shut down in less than 100 days, on January 31, 2027. The BT infrastructure arm says there will be no extension to the deadline. Businesses and consumers need to check whether their systems still rely on the copper-based Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

The shutdown plan was announced in 2017, with the original deadline set for the end of 2025 and later extended to 2027. Openreach says the aging network is harder to maintain, more vulnerable to faults and unable to meet modern demands. It says it has supported the migration of around 15 million lines to digital services.

Some systems that may still need upgrading include shop point-of-sale terminals, fire and security alarms, and personal care alarms. James Lilley, Openreach’s Director of All-IP, said businesses that delay action face more difficult migrations. He urged them to audit remaining analogue services and coordinate a migration plan with their communications provider.

Openreach says digital phone lines can offer more reliable service, better-quality calls and smarter blocking of unwanted calls. Users who miss the January 2027 deadline may have limited service or be moved to Emergency Voice and Access Continuity (EVAc), a temporary voice-only service that keeps basic calls working for a limited time.