Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)
PSTN will be fully switched off by the end of January 2027, with all landline services moving to digital alternatives such as VoIP or Digital Voice.
Why is PSTN Being Switched Off?
The PSTN network is aging and increasingly fragile, with parts no longer manufactured, making maintenance difficult. Service incidents have risen sharply, and the network cannot meet modern communication demands. Switching to digital networks using Internet Protocol (IP) allows for clearer calls, additional features like three-way calling and anonymous caller rejection, and greater resilience to severe weather. The transition also aligns with the broader move toward fibre broadband infrastructure.
Timeline and Impact
Switch-off date: End of January 2027 for all PSTN and ISDN lines.
Consumer impact: Most users will continue to have landline service via digital alternatives. Phones can be connected to Wi-Fi routers, or special adapters can be used for existing handsets.
Business impact: Companies relying on PSTN or ISDN must migrate to All-IP or digital voice services to avoid service disruption.
Vulnerable users: Providers are required to support at-risk customers, including those using telecare devices, alarms, or other essential services connected to landlines
Key Considerations
Digital voice services will not work during a power outage, unlike traditional PSTN lines.
Users should contact their provider to confirm migration plans, especially if they have devices dependent on a landline.
Providers are obligated to ensure that emergency calls remain possible and that vulnerable customers are supported throughout the transition.
In summary, the PSTN switch-off is a nationwide move to modernise the UK’s telephone network, replacing ageing copper-based systems with digital alternatives. All users, both residential and business, need to prepare for this change to ensure uninterrupted phone service by January 2027.
For more information please visit the Government website here