Is my copper phone line being switched off in Poland, and what happens to my contract?
Before an operator with significant market power permanently retires its copper network, it must notify UKE at least 12 months ahead with a schedule and alternative access for existing users. UKE approves only if competition and end users' rights are protected (art. 231–233 Pke).
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 Poland is below.
📜 The rules in Poland
The switch-off plan
The Pke sets no national switch-off date: copper is retired through operators' migration plans, which UKE must approve.
The details
- The migration plan must offer alternative access allowing services of at least comparable quality for existing end users, and set out when users of the old network will be told (art. 232 Pke). (eli.gov.pl)
- UKE reports that operators are systematically retiring copper and cable (HFC) networks in favour of fibre. In 2025, 85.1% of urban and 69.5% of rural households were within fibre range. (uke.gov.pl)
UKE – wniosek o interwencję
Ask UKE to intervene if a provider fails to carry out, or wrongly carries out, a switch, number porting or number change, or may have broken the Pke. Send the request by post, e-Doręczenia, ePUAP or the PUE UKE form.
🪜 Step by step
- Find out what your line isYour contract or provider can tell you whether you are on copper, cable or fibre.
- Watch for a letterCustomers on lines that will be switched off are normally told in advance. Keep the letter.
- Compare your optionsYou may be offered fibre or another connection. Compare price, term and speed before you accept.
- Check special equipmentAlarm systems, emergency call devices and old phones may need to be adapted. Ask before the switch.
📇 Who to contact
❓ 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
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