Copper Switch-off

Everything you need to know about the Switch-Off

The UK landline network is changing

The UK’s traditional landline network is being updated. The old copper phone line network, which has been used for landline calls for decades, is gradually being replaced with newer digital phone services.

This change affects households across the UK that still use a landline phone. Many homes have already been moved over, so you may not need to do anything. But if your landline still plugs into the phone socket in your wall, there may be a small switchover needed to keep it working in the future.

Providers that offer landline services are working with Openreach, the BT-owned network that runs the UK’s copper phone line infrastructure to complete the move.

What is the copper switch-off?

For decades, the UK’s landline phone network has run through the Public Switched Telephone Network, often shortened to PSTN. This is the older copper-based network that has powered landline calls for many years and it also supported a lot of broadband connections in the past. But this network is now ageing. It is becoming harder to maintain, less reliable and no longer the best fit for the way homes and businesses use connectivity today.

That is why the UK is moving to digital phone services, where calls are carried over a broadband connection instead of the old copper phone network.

This is a major national change, especially for rural and remote areas where copper phone lines have been relied on for many years. It also needs to be handled carefully for people who use important services connected to their phone line such as telecare alarms.

Openreach has confirmed that the old PSTN network is due to be retired by 31 January 2027.

What does this mean for you?

You may not need to do anything straight away. If your phone service has already been moved to a digital connection, you can simply carry on as normal.

But if your landline still plugs into the traditional phone socket in your home, your provider will need to move you over before the copper network is switched off.

If you’re already a Wessex Internet broadband customer, please don’t worry - this will not affect you, as we don’t use the old copper lines.

If you rely on a landline, telecare device, alarm system or anything else connected to your phone line, it is worth checking with your current provider so you know what needs to happen and when.

At Wessex Internet, we’re here to help make sense of the changes and keep rural homes connected with reliable full fibre broadband.

Everything you need to know about the Switch-Off

  • What is the Switch-Off?

    The Switch-Off is the process of upgrading the UK’s traditional phone network (PSTN) to a newer, fully digital system. These older copper phone lines have been in use for many years, but they are now being replaced, with a full switch-off planned for January 2027.

    Important: If you’re already a Wessex Internet broadband customer, please don’t worry - this will not affect you, as we don’t use the old copper lines.

  • What does PSTN mean?

    PSTN stands for Public Switched Telephone Network which is the traditional phone line network that’s been used for over 150 years to make calls and more recently to connect broadband services.

  • How will the Switch-Off affect me?

    In the past, many broadband services used these copper phone lines to connect your home to the internet.

    As these lines are retired, services that rely on them such as standard broadband (often called ADSL or part-fibre/FTTC) will be phased out across the UK.

  • How do I know if I’m on the traditional copper lines?

    A simple way to check is to look at how your router is connected:

    If it plugs into a standard telephone wall socket, you’re likely using the older system

    If your internet speeds don’t usually go above around 80 Mbps, that can also be a sign

    If you’re unsure, don’t worry, give our team a call and we’d be happy to help.

  • Why are the old copper lines being switched off?

    The current copper network is getting older and becoming more difficult to maintain.

    Newer digital connections are more reliable and better suited to modern needs, which is why this change is happening not just in the UK, but around the world.

  • What do I need to do?

    At some point, you’ll need to move to a newer type of connection called Full Fibre broadband.

    The good news is, that’s exactly what we at Wessex Internet provide and we’ll guide you through it in a simple, straightforward way.

    You don’t need to rush, but it’s a good idea to start thinking about your options ahead of time so everything is in place well before 2027.

  • Need a bit of help or advice?

    Our friendly team are here to make things as smooth as possible.

    If you’d like to talk things through or find out what’s available in your area, just give us a call on 0333 240 7997 - we’ll be happy to help.