News · 5 November 2026
The old landline network switches off on 31 January 2027: what to check now
Openreach says the old analogue phone network (the PSTN) will be permanently switched off on 31 January 2027. About 1 million lines across the UK still use it. If your landline, alarm or card machine still runs on copper, sort it out now, not in January.
By The SimSift team · Published · Figures checked 5 November 2026
What changed
In October 2026 Openreach warned there were fewer than 100 days left before the PSTN is retired. It says around 1 million copper-based lines are still live, including 300,000 at businesses (Openreach). Its regional figures:
| Region | Legacy lines left |
|---|---|
| London and South East | 250,473 |
| Wales and Midlands | 233,033 |
| Northern England | 207,135 |
| Wessex | 156,141 |
| Scotland | 112,794 |
| East Anglia | 99,050 |
| Northern Ireland | 32,809 |
Who it affects
- Homes with an old-style landline, especially people who use only a landline and no broadband.
- Personal and care alarms. If anyone at home relies on a pendant or telecare alarm, tell your phone provider and your alarm provider before the switch.
- Small businesses. Openreach lists payment terminals, lift emergency phones, fire and security alarm panels, door entry and automated gates among systems still reliant on the old network.
What it costs
- Openreach says the final phase of its wholesale rental rises for old WLR lines took effect on 1 October 2026, doubling the 2025 rental price, with more rises from February 2027. Your provider may pass that on.
- Openreach has launched offers for providers, including free or discounted connections, to move customers onto digital lines.
- From 31 January 2027, anyone who hasn't moved may be put on EVAc, a temporary, last-resort service for essential calls. Openreach says it's "significantly more expensive" than the digital options, but it doesn't publish a customer price, so we can't give you a figure.
What to do
- Ask your phone provider whether your line has moved to digital, and whether anything at home (an alarm, a care pendant, a TV box with a phone line) still uses the old line.
- If you only have a landline, ask about a digital voice service, or think about whether a cheap mobile SIM would do the job.
- Use the move to compare. Moving to digital often means a new contract, so check what broadband with calls costs before you sign.
Compare on SimSift
Sources
Checked 5 November 2026.
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