The Digital Switchover is coming

The Digital Switchover is coming

The UK is upgrading its phone network. Openreach will replace the old analogue system with a fully digital one by January 2027.

The Digital Switchover also called the ‘landline switch off’

BT and Openreach planned to turn off old copper phone lines (Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Wholesale Line Rental (WLR)) by December 2025, but this has been delayed to 31 January 2027.

Until then, Openreach is replacing these old lines with a new digital (Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)) phone system across the UK, which lets you make phone calls over the internet.

This means most landline customers will be moved to digital phone services that use the internet, like fibre broadband.

Some areas, including parts of Worcestershire, have already started switching.

Phone providers will contact customers to explain the changes and help them move to the new service before 2027. The delay gives everyone more time to prepare.

In an emergency

Digital phone lines do not have a seperate power connection like the old copper lines, so if there is a power cut they will not work.

Next steps

This change will affect everyone, at home or at work, and not just phone calls. Other equipment that uses old phone lines might be affected too.

Your phone provider (like BT or Virgin Media) should get in touch before the switch to help you prepare. But it’s good to be aware of what’s coming.

This switch off is being undertaken by Openreach, and your telephone provider, therefore Worcestershire County Council are unable to assist you directly with any queries.

Please contact your telephone provider or visit Openreach’s main page: Digital phone lines - Openreach 

More information can be found below.

For residents

If you or someone you know relies on a landline or uses a device like a fall monitor, lifeline, or personal alarm, let the service provider know so they can help you understand how the switch will affect you.

If you have other devices, like alarm systems, connected to your phone line, you may need to upgrade them to work with the new system. If you're unsure, contact the supplier or manufacturer to check if your device will still work with a digital phone line.

Other systems that may need upgrading:

  • alarms - building or personal
  • door entry systems
  • CCTV
  • fax machines

For businesses

As well as any analogue telephone lines you may use for your business phones, if you have other devices connected to your phone line, such as alarm systems, payment lines, door entry systems or CCTV, you might need to upgrade that device to make sure it is compatible with the new digital connection. If you are unsure about how a device in your business might be affected, it is recommended you contact the equipment supplier or device manufacturer to find out whether it will remain functional on a digital phone line.

For schools

Schools should treat their telephone lines as any other business line, contact their providers and start making the changes to a digital alternative before the cut off in January 2027.

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