Are Landlines History? The PSTN Switch-Off Explained (2026)

Traditional copper landlines are being replaced by VoIP (Voice over IP) calls over broadband, as Openreach decommissions the PSTN network by December 2027. Landline numbers are not going away — they are migrating to digital. BT and most major providers are already migrating customers, and all new broadband connections are now full-fibre with VoIP telephony.

What Is the PSTN Switch-Off?

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is the copper-wire network that has carried UK telephone calls since the 1800s. Openreach — the infrastructure arm of BT — announced the PSTN will be fully decommissioned by 31 December 2027. The ISDN digital network (used by businesses for multiple lines) was switched off in 2025. The PSTN switch-off affects everyone with a landline phone in the UK — an estimated 29 million households and businesses. The replacement is Voice over IP (VoIP), which routes calls over broadband connections using internet protocols. The switch-off does not mean the end of landline numbers — it means the technology carrying calls is changing.

What Happens to Your Landline Number

Your landline number (01, 02, or 03 prefixes) will remain the same. The migration process is managed by your ISP and typically requires no action on your part — your provider will notify you at least 30 days before your migration date. The new VoIP service uses your existing phone handset via an Analogue Telephone Adapter (ATA), often built into your router. Sky and TalkTalk are migrating customers progressively across 2026–2027. All new broadband connections signed since 2023 have already been issued as VoIP-only services.

Vulnerable Customers and Safety Concerns

Ofcom has required providers to take special care of vulnerable customers during the transition. Key concerns include: telecare alarms (personal alarms for elderly or disabled people) that may not work over VoIP, fax machines, and situations where a power cut would leave someone without the ability to call emergency services. Providers must offer battery backup solutions to customers who rely on their landline for safety. Plusnet and BT provide free battery backup units for customers registered as vulnerable or dependent on their landline for medical reasons. If you or someone in your household falls into this category, contact your provider now to register and request protection.

What You Need to Do Before December 2027

For most households, the PSTN switch-off requires nothing more than accepting the migration offered by your provider. If you are on an older FTTC broadband package and have not yet been migrated, check whether your provider is offering a Full Fibre upgrade — FTTP now covers 78% of UK premises and is the long-term standard. If you have a fax machine, monitored alarm, or medical telecare device, test it for VoIP compatibility or arrange a replacement. Business customers using ISDN lines for multi-line telephony should already have migrated to SIP trunk solutions following the ISDN switch-off in 2025.

Compare Broadband Deals at Your Address

The PSTN switch-off is a good opportunity to reassess your broadband deal. If you are on an older FTTC package, switching to Full Fibre could deliver faster speeds and a modern VoIP landline at a similar price. Enter your postcode to see what is available at your address.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the PSTN switch-off happening?

The full PSTN switch-off is planned for 31 December 2027. Regional migrations are already under way, with Openreach and ISPs migrating customers on a rolling basis throughout 2026 and 2027.

Will VoIP calls cost more than my current landline?

Not necessarily. VoIP calls to UK landlines and mobiles are priced comparably to current PSTN rates. Many providers include free evening and weekend calls as standard, and some offer unlimited UK minutes. International VoIP calls are often significantly cheaper than PSTN equivalents.

What if I do not have broadband — will I still have a phone?

BT has committed to providing a basic, affordable broadband service to households that only want a landline. Ofcom has also mandated that providers must ensure all customers can access emergency services, including after a power failure, through battery backup systems.

Related Guides

Can I Keep My Landline When Switching Broadband Providers · Broadband and Landline Deals · FTTP: When's the Right Time to Upgrade · Types of Broadband in the UK: The Complete Guide · Broadband Only Deals

Methodology

This guide is based on publicly available data from Ofcom, provider websites, and independent sources including ISPreview.co.uk, Thinkbroadband, and Point Topic. Pricing, speeds, and availability were verified in April 2026 and are subject to change. CompareFibre is editorially independent — providers do not pay for placement or influence our recommendations.