Landline Switch Off 2027: What You Need to Do
Written by Hannah Hood, on . Last updated The UK landline switch off 2027 deadline is approaching.
On 31 January 2027, the UK’s traditional copper telephone network will be permanently switched off. If your phone plugs directly into the wall socket rather than your broadband router, it will stop working unless you move to a digital service.
This change affects:
- Homeowners
- Small businesses
- Rural properties
- ISDN users
- Anyone relying on an analogue landline
The switch off was originally planned for 2025 but was extended to give households and businesses more time to migrate. It has not been cancelled.
If you act early, the transition is straightforward. If you leave it too late, you risk disruption, delays, and rushed decisions.
Here’s exactly what’s happening and what you need to do now.
When Is the Landline Switch Off 2027 Happening in the UK?
The UK landline switch off will take place on 31 January 2027.
From that date:
- The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) will be permanently retired
- ISDN business lines will no longer operate
- Copper-based analogue phone services will stop working
This is a nationwide infrastructure change led by Openreach and supported by all major providers including BT, Sky, EE and others.
The key point is simple: traditional copper landlines are being permanently retired.
What Exactly Is Being Switched Off?
The switch off applies to the old copper telephone network, not broadband itself.
The infrastructure being retired includes:
- PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network)
- Analogue landlines
- ISDN business systems
- Copper-based voice services
It does not mean the internet is being turned off. Instead, phone services are moving to digital technology that runs over broadband (VoIP / Digital Voice).
In simple terms:
Old system → Phone plugs into wall
New system → Phone plugs into broadband router
Will My Phone Stop Working After the Landline Switch Off 2027?
This is the most common question.
Your landline WILL stop working if:
- Your phone plugs directly into the wall socket
- You do not have broadband
- You are using an analogue-only copper service
- You rely on ISDN lines
Your landline will CONTINUE working if:
- It connects through your broadband router
- You already use Digital Voice or VoIP
- Your provider has migrated your service
If you’re unsure, check where your handset connects. That alone usually gives you the answer.
What Happens Before the Landline Switch Off 2027?
The landline switch off 2027 is not a sudden overnight event. The transition is already underway.
2024–2025
- Stop-sell rules expand across the UK
- New copper lines become restricted in many areas
- Providers begin migrating customers in phases
2026
- Demand for installations increases
- Engineer availability becomes tighter
- Businesses delaying migration may face scheduling pressure
January 2027
- Copper network permanently decommissioned
- Analogue dial tone removed
Waiting until late 2026 increases the risk of installation backlogs.
What Do Homeowners Need to Do Now?
For most residential users, the process is simple.
Step 1: Check How Your Phone Connects:
If it plugs into the wall socket, you will need to move to a digital landline service.
Step 2: Confirm You Have Broadband:
Digital landlines run over an internet connection. Fibre, ADSL and even satellite broadband can work.
Step 3: Compare Digital Landline Providers:
Not all providers structure pricing or service in the same way.
If you’re researching options, see our guide to the Best Digital Landline UK Providers in the UK. You may also want to compare how services differ between major providers such as BT, EE and Sky. For example, you can read our detailed Phonely vs BT Digital Voice comparison to see how digital landline services compare in features, setup and pricing.
Step 4: Arrange Migration Before 2026:
Early migration avoids pressure and gives you time to test the service properly. If you want a simple home-focused replacement service, you can explore our Digital Landline page for details on setup and number transfer.
Will I Lose My Phone Number?
In most cases, no.
You can keep your existing number by porting it to your new digital provider.
Important points:
- Do not cancel your old service before porting
- Porting usually takes 7–14 days
- Most UK geographic numbers are transferable
Your number moves with you, it does not disappear.
What About Elderly Users and Telecare Systems?
This is a key concern for many families.
Some older copper lines carried their own power supply. Digital landlines rely on electricity to power your router.
If you or a family member relies on:
- Care pendants
- Emergency alarm systems
- Telecare monitoring
You should:
- Inform your provider
- Confirm compatibility
- Discuss battery backup options
Most modern systems can be adapted, but it is important to plan ahead.
What Happens in a Power Cut?
Traditional copper landlines often continued working during a power outage because they carried their own power. Digital landlines do not.
If your broadband router loses power, your phone service will stop unless you have a battery backup system.
Many providers offer solutions for vulnerable customers. It’s important to check this in advance if uninterrupted access is critical.
What If I Live in a Rural Area?
Many rural households worry that broadband limitations will make the transition difficult.
In reality, several broadband types can support digital landlines:
- Fibre broadband
- ADSL
- Fixed wireless
- Satellite services such as Starlink
As long as you have a stable internet connection, VoIP can operate reliably.
In some cases, digital infrastructure is more stable than ageing rural copper lines.
What Do Businesses Need to Do Before the Landline Switch Off 2027?
For businesses, the landline switch off 2027 is more than a technical update, it directly affects how you handle customer enquiries.
When your phone stops, enquiries stop.
When enquiries stop, revenue follows.
Unlike residential users, many businesses still rely on older systems that were built around copper infrastructure.
Business Systems Most at Risk
The following will be affected by the 2027 switch off:
- Single analogue landlines
- ISDN2 and ISDN30 systems
- Older on-site PBX hardware
- Basic divert-to-mobile setups
- Fax lines and card payment terminals running on analogue
If these systems are not upgraded before January 2027, they will stop functioning.
Why Leaving It Late Is Risky
You may need to:
Business migrations are rarely plug-and-play.
- Port multiple numbers
- Reconfigure call routing
- Update hardware
- Train staff on new systems
- Test inbound and outbound call flows
If left until late 2026, you may face:
- Engineer backlogs
- Installation delays
- Rushed system choices
- Temporary service disruption
For customer-facing businesses such as trades, clinics, agencies and local services, even a short outage can mean missed revenue.
The Opportunity to Modernise
While the switch off forces change, it also creates an opportunity.
Modern hosted VoIP systems allow businesses to:
- Route calls to multiple devices
- Set up department menus
- Create opening hours rules
- Record calls where appropriate
- Answer enquiries from any location
For growing teams or mobile workforces, digital systems often provide more flexibility than traditional copper lines ever could.
The key is to treat migration as a structured upgrade rather than a last-minute replacement.
Practical Steps for Businesses
If you run a business, consider taking the following steps now:
- Audit your current phone setup
Identify analogue lines, ISDN services, fax lines and any connected devices. - Check broadband capacity
Reliable internet connectivity is essential for VoIP systems. - Plan number porting carefully
Do not cancel existing services before confirming porting arrangements. - Allow time for testing
Ensure call routing, voicemail, and emergency call settings work correctly before fully switching over. - Schedule migration before 2026 peak demand
Early planning reduces pressure and avoids installation queues.
Final Thoughts on the Landline Switch Off 2027
The UK landline switch off 2027 marks a permanent shift away from the ageing copper phone network. By 31 January 2027, traditional PSTN and ISDN services will no longer operate, and all landline calls will run through digital networks instead.
For homeowners, the change usually means moving your phone service to your broadband router. For businesses, it often involves upgrading to modern VoIP systems that offer greater flexibility and call management features.
While the deadline may seem distant, planning early helps avoid last-minute disruptions and installation delays. Checking how your phone currently connects and arranging migration well before 2027 will ensure your number and service continue to work smoothly.
Landline Switch Off 2027 FAQs
When will landlines be switched off in the UK?
The UK landline switch off will take place on 31 January 2027. On this date, the old copper Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) will be retired, and traditional analogue landlines will stop working. Phone services will instead run over broadband using digital technology such as VoIP.
Will my home phone stop working after the landline switch off 2027?
Your phone will stop working if it relies on the old copper network and plugs directly into the wall socket. To keep using a landline after the landline switch off 2027, you will need to move to a digital landline service that connects through your broadband router.
Do I need fibre broadband for a digital landline?
No. While fibre broadband offers the most reliable performance, digital landlines can also work with ADSL, fixed wireless, or satellite broadband. The key requirement is a stable internet connection.
Can I keep my existing phone number?
Yes. In most cases you can keep your existing number by porting it to your new digital landline provider. Number porting typically takes between 7 and 14 days, and most UK geographic numbers can be transferred.
What happens if there is a power cut?
Traditional copper landlines often continued working during power cuts because they carried their own electricity. Digital landlines rely on your broadband router, which requires power. During a power outage, your phone will stop working unless you have a battery backup system.
Does the landline switch off affect mobile phones?
No. The landline switch off only affects copper-based landline networks such as PSTN and ISDN. Mobile phone networks will continue to operate as normal.
What if I live in a rural area without fibre broadband?
You can still use a digital landline as long as you have a stable internet connection. Many rural homes use ADSL, wireless broadband, or satellite services such as Starlink, which can support VoIP phone services.
Why is the UK switching off copper landlines?
The copper network is ageing and expensive to maintain. Moving to digital phone services allows providers to deliver more reliable, flexible and feature-rich communication systems while supporting modern broadband infrastructure.
