The 2027 Phone Switch-Off: A Business Checklist

BT and Openreach are retiring the UK's copper phone network by 31 January 2027. Anything in your business that relies on a traditional phone line, from phones to alarms to card machines, must move to a digital service before then. Here's what's affected, how to check your business and what the move involves.

What is the phone switch-off?

The UK's old phone network, known as the PSTN, runs over copper wires. It's being replaced by digital services that carry calls over an internet connection. Openreach says the old network will be retired by 31 January 2027. Areas are being moved in stages before that, so your line could be switched sooner, and your provider should write to you first.

What stops working

It isn't only the phones. Openreach's own list of equipment at risk includes alarms, card machines, lifts and CCTV. Check for:

Phones on an old analogue or ISDN line
Card machines that dial out over the phone line
Fire and burglar alarms that call a monitoring centre
Lift emergency phones. Openreach says over 12,000 lift lines need upgrading.
Door entry systems, fax and franking machines
CCTV that uses a phone line
Telecare and personal alarms
Older broadband that runs over a phone line

How to check your business in 15 minutes

Walk round every room and find every phone socket. Note what's plugged into each one.
Look at your phone bill for every line you pay for, including ones you've forgotten, such as an alarm or lift line.
Ask your alarm company whether your alarm uses the phone line and what it needs to change.
Check your card machine. If it plugs into a phone socket, ask your provider for a broadband or mobile model.
Ask your lift maintenance company about the emergency phone.
List the phone numbers you need to keep.
Check your internet connection and power. Digital phones need both, so plan a backup.

What the switch involves

Most businesses move to one of two options. A digital line from your provider can keep a simple setup going, sometimes with existing handsets through an adapter. A cloud phone system, often called VoIP, runs over your internet connection and adds features like call diverts, voicemail to email and a mobile app. In almost every case your numbers move across. For alarms, lifts and card machines, the supplier usually needs to change a unit or setting, so book them early.

Why waiting costs more

Openreach raised its wholesale prices for old copper lines by 20% in April 2026, 40% in July 2026 and another 40% in October 2026. Those rises may be passed on in your line rental. The closer it gets to January 2027, the busier alarm engineers and installers will be.

Common questions

Will my phone number change?

No. In almost every case your existing number moves to the new service.

My provider says they'll move me. Do I need to do anything?

Yes. Your provider moves the line, but not necessarily your alarm, card machine or lift phone. Check each one with its supplier.

What happens in a power cut?

Digital phones need power and internet. A battery backup, or calls diverting to mobiles, keeps you reachable.

Does switching cost money?

The line itself often costs about the same. The costs usually come from changing alarms, card machines and handsets, which is why it pays to check early.

Get your lines checked

We offer a free 15-minute readiness check for businesses across County Durham, Sunderland, Newcastle and Teesside. We'll tell you what's on your lines and give you a fixed price to move it all.

Book a free readiness check See our switchover service

Openreach: Time for a big switch-up as PSTN switch-off looms (February 2026)