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The big switch off is changing your telephone service

The majority of the UK's phone network will be overhauled by 2027 and the traditional phone line will no longer be available.

Large numbers of people in the UK still have a landline for calls, but for many years that number has been falling. Most of us now prefer to use our mobiles, and just use a landline for broadband. Openreach, who install and maintain the majority of the lines in the country has been planning major upgrades to the dated telecoms infrastructure for some time.

The Big Switch Off

Openreach will switch off the Traditional Landline (PSTN) completely by 2027, so it will no longer be possible to make and receive calls using your old landline.

From 2025, the vast majority of calls will be delivered over the internet using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services rather than old fashioned” dial tone” services that are currently most commonplace.


The Big Switch Off timeline

What is the Big Switch Off?

The Big Switch Off is the end of the PSTN (Traditional Landline) and ISDN (Legacy Internet Network) services, which are considered older forms of internet and landline connections. These services are being replaced by VoIP technology, a digital and fibre-based service that offers greater speeds and an overall upgrade. This transition will improve communication efficiency and reduce maintenance costs associated with outdated copper wire infrastructure which supported the PSTN and ISDN services.

When will the Big Switch Off occur?

The complete retirement of the PSTN (Traditional Landline) and ISDN (Legacy Internet Network) services will be January 2027, making way for fibre. However, as of September 2023, no new PSTN or ISDN connections are being sold as these services are considered to be dated and inefficient technology. The original Big Switch Off was set for December 2025, though has since been extended.

Who will be affected by this change?

Homes and businesses using traditional landline services will no longer have access to the internet and all connected devices will be offline. This can include TV’s and consoles, to alarms and CCTV systems. Unfortunately, you will require a new broadband service and likely newer devices to maintain the existing services you use that rely on your PSTN (Traditional Landline) or ISDN (Legacy connection.

What should I do to prepare for the switch off?

Users are encouraged to begin transitioning to VoIP systems as soon as possible ahead of the 2027 Big Switch Off. This includes upgrading your broadband connection (once possible) and changing devices around your home if they’re only compatible with older broadband (PSTN and ASDL) that you need to upgrade to maintain an internet connection.

What happens if I don't switch by 2027?

If you still have older broadband (PSTN and IDSN) connected to your home and no other, newer internet connection, you will lose your home or businesses access to the internet. You will be without Wi-Fi and all of your devices connected will be disconnected.

Can I keep my landline after 2027?

You cannot keep your landline and telephone once the Big Switch Off is complete as the network infrastructure that provides that service will be retired and cease operation. To maintain a house phone that’s similar, switch to a VoIP phone that uses digital technology and is supported by the new fibre broadband network. These phones will feel very familiar to use and are an overall upgrade from your landline telephone.

Your Co-op Broadband or Mobile do not stock VoIP phones for single purchase and can only be included with a broadband package.

Will broadband become obsolete

Broadband won’t become obsolete as a result of the Big Switch Off, and is unlikely to be obsolete in the future. ASDL (Legacy Internet Service) and older forms of broadband technology are currently being phased out in the UK and is being replaced with full fibre cables to improve internet access, capacity and speed for an increasingly online and interconnected country.

What will be different after the change?

man using his landline phone
If you plan to continue using your "land line" for calls, then you will need to connect your phone to your router or hub - either directly to a spare LAN port on the back or via a device called an ATA (analogue telephone adapter) which converts your phone's analogue signals into digital bits to transmit the call across the internet.

woman using her mobile phone
After the big switch off, any equipment wired to your router that isn’t compatible will no longer work. If you need to make calls in various rooms throughout the house, a VoIP-enabled DECT phone is the best solution.

women holding a coffee and using her mobile phone
Because your phone will plug into a router or a separate IP Converter (called an ATA) that is powered by your home electricity, you won't be able to make or receive calls in the event of a power cut. A mobile phone is your best option for a back-up in these circumstances.

man on the phone whilst making notes

What does this mean for me?

If you want to continue using telephone services without issue after 2025 (or 2027 at the latest), you MUST have an internet connection that is full fibre or SoGEA and use an internet compatible phone/device.

By December 2025, almost all legacy copper phone lines will be switched off, disconnecting traditional phone services. Anyone who has not moved to a fibre or SoGEA broadband service with a VoIP subscription will likely not be able to make calls or use services that rely on an analogue internet connection.

How Do I know if i'm ready?

woman on the phone whilst having a drink

What about my telecare equipment?

Finally, some special equipment may not work, although most currently available telecare alarms and pendants, textphones and amplified phones have been tested at Openreach's lab and will be compatible with the new services. If you are concerned about any special, non-phone equipment you have connected to your phone line, you should contact the provider of these devices for advice.
man using his laptop at home

What do I need to do?

Despite the wide-ranging changes that are approaching, there's no need to worry about what this means for you just yet. Carry on using your current services as normal.

All the telephone exchanges in the country have now been placed into a state known as stop-sell. This means they will no longer sell any more “legacy” products such as ADSL Broadband, Superfast FTTC, and new phone lines. Your current equipment will continue to work for at least another year, but you will only be able to buy new products such as Ultrafast/Full Fibre or SoGEA, which is a broadband line that won't support calls without a separate VoIP service. If you want to make phone calls you'll need to buy a VoIP service or use your mobile.


Here's how to know if your analogue home equipment can work after the big switch off:

Check the type of connection:

If your equipment uses a traditional phone line with a dial tone, it is likely an analogue device and will not work after the switch off. If your equipment uses a digital connection, such as a broadband connection, it may still work depending on its compatibility with the new digital networks.

Check the manufacturer's website or contact support:

Some manufacturers may have information on their website about whether their products will be compatible with the new digital networks. You could also contact their customer support for specific information about your equipment.

Consult with a telecommunications provider:

Your telecommunications provider may be able to advise you on the compatibility of your equipment and recommend alternative solutions if necessary.

Consider upgrading to digital equipment:

If your analogue equipment is not compatible with the new digital networks, you may need to upgrade to digital equipment. This could include VoIP phones and digital security systems.

We’re here to keep you informed

This is the biggest and most disruptive change to the telecoms market in a generation and Your Co-op will be here to help guide you through it. If Openreach's vision goes to plan then by 2027, the entire UK will have a telecoms infrastructure that is much more energy efficient, scalable and future proof. Whether you're excited by the prospect of Ultrafast internet speeds or just need to keep a basic voice service, we will have something that works for you.

Your Co-op Broadband offers Ultrafast speeds of up to 900Mbps, Feefo award-winning UK-based customer service and a climate positive difference each month. With our partners Ecologi, we reduce your carbon footprint by 6kg and plant trees throughout your contract to help you fight climate change with ease.

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