PSTN Switch-Off: Is Your Home Phone Ready for January 2027?

The way we use our home phones is changing. The traditional telephone network is being retired, with Openreach’s PSTN switch-off scheduled for 31 January 2027.

If you still use a traditional landline, now is a good time to check what your provider has planned. Here’s what the change means and how to prepare.

What is the PSTN switch-off?

PSTN stands for Public Switched Telephone Network—the system that has carried traditional landline calls for decades.

The ageing equipment is becoming harder to maintain, so telephone services are moving to digital technology. Your phone will usually connect through your broadband router instead of plugging directly into the telephone socket on the wall.

You may hear this called Digital Voice, digital landline or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

Will I need a new telephone?

You may be able to keep your existing handset, although some customers will need a new router, adaptor or phone. Your provider should explain what equipment you need and arrange the change with you.

You can also keep your telephone number. Before buying replacement equipment, ask your provider to confirm what will work with your service.

Do I need Full Fibre broadband?

Full Fibre can support digital phone services, but it isn’t essential everywhere. Other connections can also carry digital calls.

If you currently have a telephone service without broadband, contact your provider to discuss the options available at your address.

Check alarms and other connected equipment

Your handset might not be the only device using your telephone line. Burglar alarms, telecare pendants, payment terminals and other connected equipment may also be affected.

Contact your telephone provider and equipment supplier before switching, especially if you rely on a care alarm or health monitoring device.

What happens during a power cut?

Digital landlines need electricity. Without suitable backup, they will stop working during a power cut.

If you depend on your landline and have no working mobile phone or reliable mobile signal, tell your provider. Ofcom says your provider must offer a free solution that allows emergency calls for at least one hour during a power cut.

A good time to check your home network

While preparing for the change, take a look at how your other devices connect around the house. At Freesat Spares, our networking range includes:

• Broadband Extender 500 Flex Ethernet Power Line — extends your home network using electrical wiring, providing an option for connecting compatible devices away from the router.

• Sky WiFi Booster EE120 — an option for extending Wi-Fi coverage with a compatible Sky setup. It extends coverage rather than increasing the broadband speed supplied to your hub.

• EE Smart Hub Plus WiFi 6 Router — listed for use with BT/EE ADSL and VDSL networks. Check suitability with your provider, including support for your telephone service, before ordering.

These products support home networking; your telephone provider still needs to arrange your digital phone service. Check compatibility and availability on each product page before buying.

Get ready before your changeover

Contact your provider to confirm your switch date, check your handset and flag any alarms or other equipment connected to the line. If you need help making calls during a power cut, discuss that too.

For more information, visit Openreach’s Big Switch-Off guide or Ofcom’s digital landline advice.