UK households with landline phones face huge change in January
Brits relying on the copper-wire telephone system will be facing its permanent switch-off by January 31, 2027. BT OpenReach will shut the UK's ageing analogue Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), bringing an end to the traditional system that has been in service since the 19th century. This means that instead of plugging a telephone handset directly into a traditional wall socket, home phones will now plug into a broadband router.
TL;DR
- The UK's analogue Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) will be permanently switched off by January 31, 2027.
- Traditional copper-wire phone systems are being replaced by digital systems that use broadband routers.
- Digital landlines require broadband and mains electricity, meaning they won't work during a power cut without backup.
- Households are advised to contact their providers soon to arrange the transition.
- Equipment connected to phone lines, such as telecare devices, alarms, and payment terminals, must be checked for compatibility with the new digital network.
- Extra support is being offered to telecare users, including free engineering visits and battery backups.