November 1, 2026

UK landlines switch off on January 31, and Openreach says no extension

Openreach says the old copper phone network closes on January 31, 2027, with about one million lines still to move and no more delays.

• Openreach says the UK's old phone network, the PSTN, closes for good on January 31, 2027, and the date will not move.
• About one million copper lines are still active, including roughly 300,000 in business premises, Openreach says.
• Alarms, card machines, lift phones and care alarms often run on these lines and need checking.
• Lines not moved in time may go onto a limited, costly emergency service, or lose service.

Why it matters: Openreach, the company that runs Britain's phone lines, says the old landline network (the PSTN) closes on January 31, 2027, and the date will not be postponed. About one million copper lines are still active, including roughly 300,000 in businesses. Alarms, card machines and care alarms often depend on them. Lines left behind may be moved to a limited emergency service, or lose service altogether.