What’s happening
The UK’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), the analogue system landlines have used for decades, is being switched off. Phone providers are moving customers to digital voice (sometimes called VoIP), where calls travel over a broadband connection. The industry has committed to completing the move by 31 January 2027.
What it means for you
- You keep your number.
- Your handset plugs into your router, or into an adaptor, instead of the wall socket.
- Calls need power: Ofcom expects providers to offer at least one hour of back-up power so you can call emergency services in a power cut, for example with a battery unit.
- Devices that use the phone line, such as telecare alarms, some burglar alarms and fax machines, may need checking or replacing.
Telecare users: get protected
Under an industry charter and the government’s Telecare National Action Plan, no telecare user should be moved to a digital line until it’s confirmed they have a working, compatible telecare solution. Ofcom says providers can pause the change until a safe solution is in place. If you or a relative use a personal alarm, tell your phone provider and your telecare provider.
What you should do now
- Wait for your provider to contact you. You don’t usually need to do anything until then.
- Tell your provider about any telecare, alarms or devices connected to your line.
- Ask about a battery back-up if you don’t have a reliable mobile signal at home.
- Be wary of cold callers asking for payment to “keep” your landline.
Last updated: 14 October 2026
