The PSTN switch-off, and how to move without losing a call
Openreach retires the UK's copper phone network on 31 January 2027. That leaves under four months. ISDN goes at the same time.
What's changing
Traditional phone lines (PSTN) and ISDN run over copper from the telephone exchange. Openreach is replacing them with digital lines that carry calls over an internet connection.
- Since 5 September 2023 new analogue lines can no longer be ordered.
- During 2026 Openreach has been raising the price of the remaining legacy lines in stages.
- On 31 January 2027 the copper network is retired. Openreach says the date is locked and won't move again.
- Lines not moved in time may be put on a temporary, voice-only emergency service while the provider finishes the move.
In February 2026 Openreach reported more than half a million business lines still on the old network.
How we move you
Each step finishes before the next one starts, so your current lines keep working until your numbers switch.
Line and equipment check
We list every number, line and device connected to your phone lines, and what each one is used for.
Design and quote
You get a written plan: phone system, numbers, call routing, any SIP trunks, and what happens to each connected device.
Build and test
We build your new system and test calls in and out before any of your numbers move. Phones arrive configured.
Port your numbers
We request the port from your current provider for a date and time you agree. Calls keep reaching your old lines until the moment the numbers move across.
Go live and check
We test every number after the port, check that calls ring where they should, and stay on hand on the day.
Equipment that often depends on a phone line
These devices can stop working when the copper network goes. Alarm and telecare signals don't always survive conversion through an adapter, so they need testing or a new connection.
- Fire and intruder alarmsOlder panels dial the alarm receiving centre over an analogue line.
- Lift emergency phonesOpenreach counted over 12,000 lift lines still to upgrade in February 2026.
- Card terminalsOlder terminals authorise payments over a dial-up line.
- Door entry systemsOlder panels call a concierge or resident over a phone line.
- Franking machinesMany top up or update over an analogue line.
- FaxNeeds the copper network, or a move to online fax.
- CCTV and building monitoringSome systems send alerts by dialling out.
- Telecare devicesNeed a confirmed working solution before the line moves.
ISDN phone systems
If your office phone system connects over ISDN2 or ISDN30, it needs a new connection. There are two ways to do it:
- SIP trunks connect your existing phone system to the network over the internet, if the system supports SIP or can take a gateway.
- A hosted phone system replaces the on-site system entirely, so there's no hardware left to maintain.
We'll tell you which fits your current system once we've seen it.
999 calls and power cuts
Digital lines need mains power at your premises, so a power cut can take down a phone that used to keep working. Ofcom requires providers to give customers who depend on their landline at least one hour of power backup so 999 calls still work, free of charge.
Tell us during the line check if anyone relies on the landline in an emergency, or has no reliable mobile signal. We'll plan backup power or another route for 999 calls before your line moves.
Find out what needs to move
A line check takes one conversation. You'll come away with a list of every line and device, and a date for the move.