UK landline switch-off set for January 2027 – what you need to do
Key Points
- The UK's analogue phone network (PSTN) shuts down on 31 January 2027
- 45% of landline users do not fully understand what they need to do
- Telecare alarms, pendants and security alarms may also stop working
- 53% of those yet to switch have taken no action; only 12% have checked their equipment
- Existing landline numbers can move to a new provider without a break in service
The UK’s analogue telephone network closes on 31 January 2027, and 45% of landline users say they do not fully understand what they need to do before it happens.
That figure comes from a survey of 2,000 UK adults with a landline, commissioned by broadband provider Community Fibre.
The switch-off ends the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), the copper system that has carried home phone calls for decades. Calls will instead travel over a broadband connection.
More than half of those surveyed said their home phone matters to them, and 49% of that group said it matters in case of an emergency. Over a third said it gives them peace of mind and 36% rely on it when their mobile has no signal.
Nearly six in 10 respondents said older people depend on landlines more than younger generations, and 57% agreed landlines give older people reassurance in an emergency.
Almost half of those who have not yet switched said they are not confident they know what to do next. Among that group, 47% said they have not seen enough information about the switchover and 33% said they are confused about what they need to change.
The change also reaches beyond the phone itself. Before taking the survey, 48% did not know the switch-off could affect other equipment in the home, including:
- Telecare alarms
- Personal emergency pendants
- Security alarms
Almost a quarter said they or someone they know uses a personal alarm or telecare alarm that may be affected, and 71% said they would worry if such a device stopped working.
Despite that, 53% of those yet to switch have taken no action to prepare, and only 12% have checked whether their equipment will still work.
Phone numbers survive the move. Nearly four in 10 respondents said they have kept the same landline number for years and a fifth do not want to change it, and anyone moving to a new provider can take their number with them.
“My top tip is this: don’t just accept the first deal you’re offered by your current provider,” said Rustie Lee, the TV chef working with Community Fibre on the awareness campaign.
“Take a moment to shop around, especially look at the newer fibre broadband providers as they will often save you a lot of money.”
“If you use a telecare alarm or other devices that use a phone line, check with the providers of those services if they’ll be affected too, rather than your phone company,” Lee added.
Around 60% of respondents said they are likely to compare deals from other providers, a process a new supplier can handle without a break in service.
“The switch from analogue to digital phone services is a nationwide change that is affecting millions of households,” said Peter Rampling, a broadband expert at Community Fibre.
“But unfortunately, many of those needing to switch may not be offered the best available full fibre service by their existing provider, so it’s important to explore what else is out there before committing.”
