Openreach Will Kill Britain's Landline Network in 100 Days, and There's No Extension
Landline phones will switch off across Britland in 100 days, no extensions
Openreach has told UK communications providers that the legacy PSTN network will be shut off for good on January 31, 2027, with no further delay. The deadline puts point-of-sale terminals, fire and security alarms, and TeleCare devices for elderly and vulnerable users at risk. Analysts and Age UK warn that public awareness remains low and providers must do more to reach people who haven't migrated, while businesses still on analog lines face doubled rental costs and mounting engineering pressure.
Providers must not give up on people who have not responded. They need to keep trying to reach them and offer practical, individual support, recognizing that some may be unwell, living with dementia, worried about scams or without anyone nearby to help.