PSTN and copper switch-off: what it means for your home broadband

By Dr Alex J Martin-Smith · Last updated 3 June 2026

When does the PSTN switch off?

The UK's public switched telephone network (PSTN) on copper lines is scheduled to switch off on 31 January 2027. Phone providers are moving voice calls to digital (VoIP) services over broadband or mobile. This affects approximately 14 million homes and businesses that still rely on the old copper phone network.

Will my broadband stop working?

Yes, if you still use ADSL or FTTC over copper. ADSL and FTTC broadband that relies on copper will stop working; households move to full fibre, cable, fixed wireless or other digital alternatives. If you already have full fibre (FTTP), cable (e.g. Virgin Media) or fixed wireless to the premises, your broadband may already be on a digital path; check with your provider what changes, if any, apply to your phone line.

Important distinction: the January 2027 deadline is for switching off the old phone network. The separate national target for rolling out gigabit-capable broadband everywhere is around approximately 2030 (separate from the January 2027 phone switch-off deadline). You may need to upgrade before 2027 even if full-fibre build in your street is still in progress.

What should I do now?

1. Check what technology you have today (ADSL, FTTC, FTTP, cable) on your bill or provider portal.
2. Ask your provider when they will migrate you and whether your router or phone handset needs replacing.
3. Compare alternatives at your address using a postcode checker (Openreach, Virgin Media, altnets).
4. If you use a careline or telecare alarm on the same line, read the section below before any switch.
5. Keep a note of any downtime for automatic compensation if an engineer visit is missed or repair is delayed.

What about telecare and careline alarms?

Tell your provider if you or someone in your household uses a telecare or careline alarm; ensure battery backup for digital voice where offered. Digital phone services usually need mains power; consider battery backup for your router and any adapter supplied for your alarm. Tell your provider before you agree to migrate if anyone in your household relies on a pendant alarm, fall detector or other telecare device.

This matters: Ofcom fined Virgin Media £23.8 million on 1 December 2025 after vulnerable telecare customers were left without working alarms during migration. Providers are under greater scrutiny to identify vulnerable users and test alarm compatibility.

Are there regional exceptions?

• KCOM (Hull): KCOM operates a separate network in Hull and East Yorkshire with its own migration timetable; check KCOM directly.
• Isle of Man and Channel Islands: The UK PSTN switch-off applies to Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Isle of Man and Channel Islands have separate telecoms regulators and timelines; residents should follow local operator guidance.

FBRE is based in the Isle of Man; we treat Crown Dependencies separately from Great Britain and Northern Ireland for PSTN timing. Residents should follow guidance from their local telecoms regulator and incumbent operator.

Sources

• Ofcom. (2025). Preparing for the PSTN switch-off. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/telecoms-infrastructure
• UK Government. (2025). Public switched telephone network (PSTN) guidance. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-landline-phones-to-digital-technology
• Ofcom. (2025). Ofcom fines Virgin Media £23.8 million for failing to protect vulnerable telecare customers during migration. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/vulnerable-customers/

Related pages

• Broadband Market Pulse
• UK Social Tariff Database
• Automatic broadband compensation
• Broadband in London (example city page)

See current UK social tariffs on BroadbandSwitch.uk.