The UK’s old copper telephone network, the PSTN, switches off on 31 January 2027. Most homes and businesses have already been moved to a digital line, but if you haven’t checked yours, or you look after someone who relies on their landline, now is the time.
We explained the background earlier in this series. This post is the practical, last-minute checklist.
What happens on 31 January?
After the switch-off, traditional analogue landlines stop working. Providers have said that anyone not yet moved may be placed on a temporary, basic service for emergency and essential calls only. It isn’t a long-term solution, and features you rely on may not work.
Checklist 1: Is your line already digital?
- Has your provider written to you about Digital Voice or a digital phone line?
- Is your phone plugged into your broadband router (or an adapter connected to it), instead of the wall socket?
- Do you get a dial tone and can you make a call?
- Is your number the same as before?
If the answer to all four is yes, your line has been switched. If you’re not sure, call your provider and ask.
Checklist 2: Test your connected devices
Anything that used the old phone line needs checking:
- Telecare and pendant alarms. Press the button and confirm the call reaches the monitoring centre. Tell them it’s a test.
- Burglar and fire alarms that dial out. Ask your alarm company to confirm it’s working.
- Door entry systems and lift phones in flats and offices.
- Card payment machines and franking machines in businesses.
- Phone extensions in other rooms. Extension sockets often stop working, so you may need a cordless phone set.
If something doesn’t work, contact the company that supplies or monitors that device. They may need to upgrade it.
Checklist 3: Your power-cut plan
Digital landlines need mains power to your router. In a power cut, the phone won’t work unless you have a backup.
- Keep a mobile phone charged, and check you get signal at home.
- No mobile, or no signal? Tell your provider. They must offer a solution, usually a battery backup unit that keeps your phone working for at least an hour. It’s free for vulnerable customers and those who depend on their landline.
- Keep a torch and a power bank somewhere easy to find.
Checklist 4: If you haven’t been switched
- Call your provider now. Don’t wait for a letter.
- Tell them about any telecare alarm, health condition or disability, and if you have no mobile signal.
- Ask whether you need an engineer visit or new equipment.
- If you don’t have broadband, ask about a landline-only digital service. You don’t have to buy broadband to keep a home phone.
Watch out for scams
Scammers are using the deadline to pressure people.
- You don’t have to pay to be switched.
- Nobody genuine will ask for bank details to “keep your number”.
- Don’t let unexpected callers in. Engineers come by appointment.
- If in doubt, hang up and call your provider on the number on your bill.
💡 Check on someone. If you have an older neighbour, friend or relative with a landline, ask whether they’ve been switched, and help them test their phone and alarm. It takes five minutes and could really matter.
Wrapping up
Four weeks is enough time to get this right. Check your line is digital, test your alarms, sort a power-cut plan, and call your provider if anything isn’t working.
Next in the series: Wi-Fi 8 Is Coming. Should You Wait for It?
Sources: Openreach: Switching off PSTN across the UK · Which?: Digital Voice and the landline switch-off · Phonely: UK digital landline switchover guide
