Phone & internet
Phone & internet · the UK
Checked 2026-10-14

🌐 Is my copper phone line being switched off in the UK, and what happens to my contract?

The short answer

UK landlines are moving from the old analogue network to digital landlines that work over a broadband connection. BT plans to retire its old landline network by 31 January 2027. Ask your provider if you are affected, and respond when it contacts you.

Many countries are replacing old copper phone lines with fibre. Where an official plan exists, it sets how much warning you get and what happens to your contract; the plan for the UK is below.

Official source: ofcom.org.uk · Checked 2026-10-14

📜 The rules in the UK

The switch-off plan

BT plans to retire its old analogue landline network (PSTN) by 31 January 2027. Ofcom says other networks also plan to retire theirs, but their dates have not been set yet.

The details

  • Tell your provider and device supplier before the change if you have a telecare alarm or health pendant. Your provider can check it and pause the change until a safe solution is in place. (ofcom.org.uk)
  • You'll plug your phone into your broadband router instead of the wall socket. If you need a new router, adaptor or handset, your provider should explain this and arrange it with you. (ofcom.org.uk)
  • You can keep your phone number. If you rely on your landline and have no working mobile or enough signal to call emergency services, tell your provider before the change. (ofcom.org.uk)
  • The government says a 'landline only' service remains available if you don't want internet, and that the upgrade is industry-led, not a government programme. (gov.uk)

Ofcom

The UK communications regulator. It sets and enforces the rules for phone and broadband providers. It can't investigate or resolve individual complaints, but reporting faults and problems to it helps it act on wider issues.

📞 0300 123 3333🔗 ofcom.org.uk
Official source: ofcom.org.uk · Checked 2026-10-14

🪜 Step by step

  1. Find out what your line isYour contract or provider can tell you whether you are on copper, cable or fibre.
  2. Watch for a letterCustomers on lines that will be switched off are normally told in advance. Keep the letter.
  3. Compare your optionsYou may be offered fibre or another connection. Compare price, term and speed before you accept.
  4. Check special equipmentAlarm systems, emergency call devices and old phones may need to be adapted. Ask before the switch.

📇 Who to contact

OfcomThe UK communications regulator. It sets and enforces the rules for phone and broadband providers. It can't investigate or resolve individual complaints, but reporting faults and problems to it helps it act on wider issues.📞 0300 123 3333🔗 www.ofcom.org.uk
Citizens AdviceIndependent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer

Sponsor this page → One labelled block, €100 a month. Founding price €75 until 31 January 2027.

❓ Questions

Do I have to move to fibre?

When the copper line is switched off, you need another connection to keep your service. Which options you have depends on your address.

Does the switch cost me anything?

That depends on the plan and on the offers you get. Ask for any offer in writing.

Will my landline number still work?

Usually yes: you can normally keep your number on the new connection. Ask your provider.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-10-14

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

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