UK landline switch-off timeline to 2027
In brief
- September 2023: providers stopped selling new analogue lines in most areas.
- 2024-2026: existing customers are being migrated in batches, area by area.
- January 2027: the analogue PSTN network is due to be fully retired.
- Your provider will contact you before your line is moved. If you have not heard, call them and ask.
Key dates
- September 2023
- Stop sell. Most phone providers stopped selling new analogue landline services. New customers in most areas automatically get a digital voice line. This does not affect existing lines. It only applies to new orders.
- 2024-2026
- Migration period. Providers are contacting existing customers to schedule upgrades. Some areas are migrated in batches; others are done exchange by exchange. Your provider will contact you before your line is moved.
- January 2027
- Target switch-off. The analogue PSTN network is due to be fully retired. After this date, all landline calls should be carried over the digital network. Some providers may complete their migrations earlier.
What "stop sell" means
Stop sell means providers can no longer offer new analogue phone services in a given area. If you move house or order a new line in a stop-sell area, you will get a digital voice service. Existing analogue lines continue to work until they are individually migrated.
When will your line be migrated?
This depends on your provider and your area. Some exchanges have already been migrated; others are scheduled for later in 2026. You should receive notice from your provider before your line is moved, typically by letter, email, or phone call.
If you have not heard from your provider and want to know your timeline, call them and ask: "When is my phone line being moved to digital voice?" What to say when you call.
Has the date slipped before?
The original target was December 2025. In late 2023, the industry paused forced migrations for vulnerable customers after concerns were raised about telecare and power-cut safety. The target was revised to January 2027 to allow more time for safety measures to be put in place.
Ofcom and providers have committed to the January 2027 date, but they have also said that no customer should be moved if it would leave them unable to call for help in an emergency.
What if I am not ready?
If you have concerns, particularly about telecare, a medical device, or a safety-critical alarm, contact your provider. Ofcom guidance says providers should not force a migration if it would put a vulnerable customer at risk.
If your provider is not being helpful, you can escalate to their formal complaints process and then to the relevant ombudsman (the Communications Ombudsman or CISAS).