UK's analogue landline network to be switched off on January 31, Openreach confirms

The infrastructure arm of BT Group issued the warning this week in a letter to communications providers that use its network, informing them that any customers still on legacy PSTN connections risk disruption when these are shut down at the end of January.

The switch-off is part of a wider government scheme to move the UK onto all-digital high-speed networks running on fibre-optic infrastructure. Many households have already abandoned landline handsets in favour of mobile phones, but those who still want a landline must plug the phone into the back of a broadband router to use a Digital Voice service.

Beyond plain old telephones, systems that rely on PSTN connectivity include point-of-sale terminals, fire and security alarms, and personal care alarms for elderly and vulnerable people. Openreach has been planning the move for the best part of a decade and has already pushed back the deadline at least once after the government asked providers not to force vulnerable customers who use systems such as TeleCare to switch until fixes are in place.

Public awareness seems low that analogue phone services will soon be disconnected. Telecoms analyst Paolo Pescatore at PP Foresight said: "Openreach and all providers need to coordinate a much more cohesive campaign that reaches customers directly," he said. "TV, billboards and newspaper advertising should reinforce a consistent message, supported by targeted letters, calls and door-to-door support for older and vulnerable people who need extra help." He added that providers must take responsibility for ensuring people remain safely connected, especially those who rely on their landline or a care alarm.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, agreed. "With only three months to go, the digital landline switchover is entering a critical final phase," she said. "Most people have moved over without major problems, but nobody who relies on their landline or TeleCare should be left behind." She added that providers must not give up on people who have not responded, and need to keep trying to reach them and offer practical, individual support, recognising that some may be unwell, living with dementia, worried about scams or without anyone nearby to help.

Openreach has a webpage with information about the switch-off and advises consumers to call their service provider as soon as possible to ensure service is not interrupted. The company previously told The Register that customers without a fibre connection will likely be switched to SOTAP for Analog (Single Order Transitional Access Product), where equipment is installed in the local telephone exchange to allow them to continue to use their old phone line as before.

Openreach has warned that commercial customers delaying migration risk significant disruption and unnecessary costs. "Businesses and organisations that delay action are making things harder for themselves," said James Lilley, Openreach Director of All-IP. "The straightforward migrations have largely been completed. What's left are the complex connections that underpin critical operations, requiring careful planning, supplier coordination, and thorough testing." He urged businesses to act now, audit their remaining analogue services, and work with their communications provider on a migration plan today.

Earlier this year, the firm announced it was stepping up its charges to service providers and companies still operating legacy business lines, who will by now be paying double the rental cost compared to last year.