The Big Switch Off: Is Your Organisation Ready for the Digital Landline Switchover?

The UK’s traditional landline telephone network is being switched off, with an important deadline of 31 January 2027. Openreach is encouraging households, businesses and community organisations to prepare now to avoid disruption to their telephone services.

The change will see the ageing Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which has supported traditional landline services for decades, replaced by modern digital technology.

Instead of relying on the traditional telephone network, calls will generally be made through an internet connection, often using a broadband router.

The change is intended to improve reliability, provide clearer calls and support modern communication services.

What Does This Mean for VCFSE Organisations?

Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations should consider how the switchover could affect their operations, particularly where they rely on traditional telephone lines.

This could include:

Telephone systems: Existing landlines and office telephone systems may need upgrading or replacing.
Alarm and security systems: Fire alarms, security alarms, CCTV and emergency communication equipment may rely on traditional telephone connections.
Payment terminals: Some card payment machines and other equipment may require updating.
Community facilities: Village halls, community centres and other venues should check whether any of their equipment uses analogue telephone lines.
Supporting vulnerable people: Organisations working with older people, disabled people or those who rely on telecare equipment should ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place.

Organisations should contact their telephone or equipment providers to establish whether their existing systems will continue to operate following the switchover.

Supporting Vulnerable People

The switchover is particularly important for individuals who rely on their landline for essential communication or emergency support.

Some telecare devices, personal alarms and health monitoring systems may require upgrading to remain operational.

Digital telephone services also generally require electricity to operate. This means that, unlike traditional landlines, they may stop working during a power cut unless suitable backup arrangements are available.

Anyone who relies on their landline, has limited mobile phone coverage or uses medical alert equipment should contact their telephone provider to discuss their circumstances and any additional support required.

What Should Organisations Do Now?

With the January 2027 deadline approaching, organisations are encouraged to take the following steps:

Review existing equipment: Identify telephone lines and devices that may rely on the traditional network.
Contact your provider: Check whether your services are affected and what changes may be required.
Plan for disruption: Consider how your organisation would maintain essential communications during a power cut or service interruption.
Support service users: Make sure people who may need additional assistance understand the changes and know where to get help.
Be alert to scams: Be cautious of unexpected calls, emails or messages claiming that urgent payments or personal information are needed to avoid disconnection.

Don’t Leave It Until the Last Minute

Openreach has warned that customers who have not switched by 31 January 2027 may experience limitations to their telephone services.

Temporary arrangements may be available in some circumstances, but these are not intended to replace a permanent digital connection.

Preparing early will give organisations time to check equipment, arrange any necessary upgrades and ensure that essential services can continue operating.

Find Out More

Openreach has published information and guidance to help households, businesses and organisations understand the changes and prepare for the switchover.

Visit the Openreach Big Switch Off website:

https://www.openreach.com/big-switch-off

Further government guidance is available at:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-transition-from-analogue-to-digital-landlines