Changes to the UK landline network

The old analogue telephone system still used by some landlines is being shut down and the telecoms providers (BT, Virgin and others) are moving affected customers to their digital networks. 

UK Landline use has dropped significantly and many who do have them are already using digital internet and modern telephone services. 

The reasons for doing this are that all new connections are digital, the analogue network cannot deliver the same services, and the equipment can no longer be effectively maintained.

It has already started and is expected to finish by January 2027. The old analogue telephone system will not work after this date.

If you have no landline telephone or it is plugged into your Wi-Fi router, then you can relax as there is nothing to do!

If you have an analogue service your telecoms provider should be in touch when it’s time to switch over. If you have not been contacted yet, and you have a landline which is not plugged into your Wi-Fi router, then we suggest you contact them or the bill payer.

This will vary from person to person. If you have a Wi-Fi router already you will probably just need to move your phone from its existing connector and plug it in to the phone port on the router.

Your old-style phone will work as will your cordless phone (DECT Phone) when plugged into the router. You may need to change the cable between the phone/base station and router, depending on the supplier.

If you do not have a Wi-Fi router then your provider will explain your options and any work they need to do. 

Switching to a digital connection should not cost you anything (unless you replace your actual phone or add new services).

Your number will stay the same, but you will have to dial the full STD code for local numbers. Your existing voicemail will not be affected.

Digital landlines do not work during a power cut. If you do not already have a mobile, then you may wish to consider getting one and many people choose to use a mobile instead of a landline. 

If you are vulnerable, then the telecoms provider may be able to offer assistance, i.e supply a separate power supply.

The switchover does affect the Telecare sector (including the red emergency call button system) and you should check with your Telecare provider to understand what, if anything, they need to do to ensure your services continue to work.

If you have a friend or relative that uses a Telecare line, please check with them that they are also prepared for the switch-over.

There is a National Advertising campaign for Telecare users, designed to explain all the issues relating to the PSTN Switch off. Please see the links section below for this information.

If you have other equipment, like a burglar alarm or medical monitor connected to an old style analogue telephone line then you should contact your supplier for advice.

If you have a Telecare service (Community Alarm) provided by Waltham Forest Council, your system is in the process of being upgraded to a system that uses the Mobile signal instead of the landline. Please contact the Telecare team for more details.

Telecare services (community alarm) | London Borough of Waltham Forest

Please note that the telephone numbers (not associated names or addresses) of Council Telecare users will be notified to BT & Virgin to ensure that they are protected and not cut off inadvertently before the final cut off day (Jan 2027). 

Unfortunately, people will always try to take advantage of a situation. This can be by contacting you by phone, email, text, post or on the doorstep. Your telecoms provider already has your bank details and already knows everything they need. Do not share your usernames, password, financial or personal details. 

Your telecoms provider should be your first point of contact. Look out for communications through the post, their website and other forms of publicity including local events.

The links below have some further information:

• National Telecare Campaign
• The Digital Phone Switchover​

Other Links:

• GOV.UK – guidance on UK transition from analogue to digital landlines
• Ofcom – digital switchover
• Openreach – ready for the digital switchover
• BTEE – digital voice the next generation home phone
• VMO2 – digital voice switchover
• Vodafone/3UK – your landline is changing: everything you need to know
• TalkTalk – introducing digital voice
• Age UK – what the switchover means for residents
• UK Telehealthcare – stop-sell information
• Which? – guidance about digital voice and landline switchover for residents
• Landlines Go Digital – information for residents about the switchover