UK Timeline
Digital Switchover Timeline 2024–27
When major UK providers are moving customers — and what to expect before the January 2027 PSTN switch off.
Full switchover guideQuick summaryThe UK's analogue landline network is being retired. By January 2027, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) will be permanently switched off. Every home and business still using a traditional copper landline must move to a digital service.
The change is not happening overnight. The migration is happening in stages — region by region, provider by provider.
This guide explains:
- What has already happened
- What's happening right now (2024–2025)
- What to expect in 2026
- What happens at the January 2027 deadline
- When major providers are switching customers
For the full background on what digital landlines are and how they work, read our main guide: Digital Landlines in the UK: Complete Guide to the 2027 Digital Voice Switchover.
The timeline at a glance
Chronological view of the UK digital landline migration from stop-sell to PSTN switch-off.
The Bigger Picture: Why the Timeline Exists
The PSTN is over 100 years old. It relies on copper infrastructure that is expensive to maintain, increasingly unreliable, and no longer commercially viable.
Openreach announced that it would retire the PSTN and ISDN networks by January 2027. All providers that rely on this infrastructure must migrate their customers before that date.
The switch is not optional. It is a national infrastructure retirement.
Chronological timeline
- 2020–2023
Phase 1: The “Stop-Sell” Era
Before we look at 2024 onward, it's important to understand what already happened. Openreach introduced stop-sell rules across many UK exchanges. This meant:
- No new analogue landlines could be sold in certain fibre-enabled areas
- Customers ordering new services were placed onto digital voice automatically
- Providers began preparing for full migration
By the end of 2023: most new landline installations were digital; millions of customers had already been migrated; large-scale communications campaigns had begun. The groundwork was laid.
- 2024
Phase 2: Mass Migration Begins
2024 marked the shift from preparation to acceleration.
What changed in 2024?
- Migration programmes expanded nationwide
- Providers increased direct customer contact
- Vulnerable-user protections became a major focus
- Fibre rollouts influenced regional upgrade speed
By 2024, the majority of new landline services were already digital. The focus turned to long-standing PSTN customers, elderly users, rural exchanges, and alarm and telecare users. This is when many households first received letters about switching to “Digital Voice”.
- 2025
2025: The Acceleration Year
If there is one key year in the timeline, it's 2025. This is when:
- The majority of remaining analogue customers are being contacted
- Region-by-region migration intensifies
- Providers actively schedule transfer dates
Most customers still using a wall-socket copper landline can expect communication during 2025 or early 2026. Providers are prioritising areas with full fibre availability, exchanges already marked as stop-sell, and infrastructure nearing retirement.
If you haven't heard yet, it does not mean you're exempt. It likely means your region is later in the rollout.
- 2026
2026: Final Migration & Deadline Warnings
By 2026: most customers will already be digital; remaining PSTN users will be actively scheduled; final upgrade notices will be issued.
This is when migration becomes less optional and more urgent. Providers must complete transfers before January 2027. That means ignoring communication becomes risky, service disruption becomes more likely, and late scheduling may reduce flexibility. 2026 is effectively the final call.
- January 2027
January 2027: The PSTN Switch-Off
In January 2027:
- The analogue PSTN network will be permanently retired
- Copper-based voice services will stop functioning
- All voice services must run over digital IP networks
If a line has not been migrated by this point, it will not continue working. This is not a marketing campaign. It is an infrastructure shutdown.
Provider-by-Provider Migration Overview
While the national deadline is fixed, providers control how and when they migrate customers. Below is a high-level view of how major providers are handling the transition.
BT (Digital Voice)
BT has been one of the earliest adopters. New customers are automatically placed on Digital Voice. Existing PSTN users are being migrated in batches. Regional rollouts depend on exchange upgrades. Battery backup solutions are offered for vulnerable users. BT's programme has been ongoing for several years and continues through 2025–2026. Compare BT Digital Voice with Phonely.
Sky
Sky is moving customers to its digital voice platform. New installations are digital; existing copper lines are being migrated gradually. Communications are issued regionally. Migration pace depends heavily on fibre availability. Compare Sky Digital Voice with Phonely.
TalkTalk
TalkTalk is transitioning its landline base to digital voice systems. New sign-ups are digital; existing analogue customers are being contacted in phases. Like others, TalkTalk aligns closely with Openreach exchange upgrades. Compare TalkTalk Digital Voice with Phonely.
Virgin Media
Virgin Media operates its own network in many areas. Customers are being migrated from traditional phone sockets to hub-based digital voice. Router upgrades are sometimes required. Communications are ongoing across 2024–2026. Compare Virgin Media and other digital landline providers.
Vodafone
Vodafone broadband customers are typically placed on digital voice by default. Existing PSTN users are being transitioned in line with national infrastructure changes. Compare Vodafone Home Phone with Phonely.
Regional Differences: Why Your Neighbour Might Switch Before You
The timeline is not uniform across the UK. Migration speed depends on: fibre rollout progress; exchange stop-sell status; local infrastructure condition; provider-specific scheduling.
Urban areas with full fibre often migrate sooner. Rural or partially upgraded exchanges may transition later — but still before January 2027.
What Happens When Your Provider Contacts You?
When your switchover date approaches, your provider should: notify you in writing; confirm a transfer date; provide required equipment (if needed); offer support if you rely on telecare or alarms.
In most cases: you can keep your existing number; your phone plugs into your router instead of the wall; the process is handled remotely.
What If You Do Nothing?
If you ignore migration notices: your analogue service will eventually stop; you may lose dial tone; emergency calling could be affected; telecare devices may fail. The safest approach is to respond when contacted.
Should You Wait — Or Switch Early?
Some households are waiting for automatic migration. Others are choosing to move early because they want: stronger scam protection; better call clarity; more features; peace of mind before 2027.
Digital voice is not just a replacement. It can be an upgrade.
If you want to understand your options fully, read: Digital Landlines in the UK: Complete Guide to the 2027 Digital Voice Switchover.
Digital Switchover Timeline Summary
| Year | What's happening |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Mass migration expands. Most new installs are digital. |
| 2025 | Majority of remaining PSTN customers contacted. |
| 2026 | Final transfers scheduled. Deadline warnings issued. |
| Jan 2027 | PSTN permanently switched off nationwide. |
Frequently asked questions about the digital switchover timeline
The UK PSTN will be permanently switched off in January 2027. All analogue landlines must move to digital services before this date.
BT has been migrating customers for several years. New customers are on Digital Voice automatically; existing PSTN users are being moved in batches through 2025–2026, depending on region.
The timeline runs from stop-sell phases (2020–2023), through mass migration in 2024, acceleration in 2025, final transfers in 2026, to the PSTN switch-off in January 2027.
If you ignore migration notices, your analogue service will eventually stop. You may lose dial tone, and telecare devices may fail. Respond when your provider contacts you.
In most cases yes. You can usually keep your existing number; your provider will confirm when they contact you about your transfer date.
What should you do next?
For the full background on digital landlines, the 2027 deadline, how to prepare, and what to look for in a provider, read our main UK guide.
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