The UK landline is changing. Here's what to do.
By January 2027, all traditional phone lines will move to digital. Most areas are being migrated earlier: ask your provider for your actual date. If you have a landline, a personal alarm, or any device that uses the phone line, check now.
What is happening?
Every phone provider in the UK is replacing the old analogue landline network with a digital system. Your phone number stays the same, but the way calls are carried changes, and some devices that use the phone line may stop working.
Who needs to act?
- You have a personal alarm or telecare pendant: it may not reach the monitoring centre after the switch. Check telecare devices
- You have a monitored burglar alarm or fire alarm: the communicator may stop signalling. Check alarm systems
- You depend on your landline in a power cut: digital landlines need mains power. Will my phone work?
- You just have a landline phone: your calls will move to digital, but you may need to plug your phone into the router instead of the wall socket. Find out what is changing
- You run a small business: payment terminals, alarm lines, and fax machines may be affected. Run the device checker
Free tools
Device risk checker
Answer a few questions about your home or business. Get a personalised report showing which devices are affected and what to do.
Power-cut plan builder
Build a printable plan for keeping your phone and internet working during a power cut. Takes about 2 minutes.