No image Big Thumb
Reading time: 7–8 minutes
The UK’s communications network is undergoing a major transformation. If you still rely on a copper landline or copper-based broadband, you need to prepare. By January 2027, the traditional copper Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) will be permanently retired. This change is known as the PSTN switch off.
According to the UK Government's advice on Moving Landlines to Digital Technologies, landlines and devices that depend on a PSTN line must move to digital technologies ahead of the switch off. In practice, homes and businesses using ADSL or FTTC should upgrade to full fibre or other digital services powered by fibre optics.
Ofcom also reports rapid growth of full fibre and ultrafast networks across the UK, with millions of new connections added each year. The BT PSTN switch off forms part of this nationwide digital switchover and will affect households and businesses across the country.
So, what is PSTN, why is it being switched off, and how can you prepare? Here is what you need to know.
Why Is the PSTN Switch Off Happening?
The PSTN has been the backbone of UK communications for decades, but it is now outdated and costly to maintain. Copper cannot keep up with modern demand from video calls, streaming, smart homes and cloud services.
The digital switchover ensures:
- Faster, more reliable broadband through full fibre
- Improved call quality via digital landlines (VoIP)
- Future-proof networks ready for new technologies
How Will the PSTN Switch Off Affect Homes and Businesses?
By 2027, you will no longer be able to:
- Use copper-based landlines for calls
- Keep broadband running over copper lines such as ADSL or FTTC
- Rely on retiring copper infrastructure
Instead, you will need to:
- Use a digital home phone (VoIP) connected via broadband
- Upgrade to a full fibre broadband connection for long-term reliability
If you do not upgrade, you risk losing both phone and broadband connectivity when the switch off takes place.
What Is Full Fibre Broadband and Why Do You Need It?
Full fibre broadband (FTTP) uses fibre optic cables all the way to your property, unlike copper-based services that slow down speeds.
- Ultrafast speeds up to 900 Mbps and beyond
- Consistent reliability with no copper bottlenecks
- Low latency for gaming and video calls
- Future-proof technology ready for the digital age
Learn more here: What is Full Fibre Broadband?
How to Prepare for the UK PSTN Switch Off
- Check if full fibre is available using our postcode checker
- Upgrade your broadband service to full fibre if available
- Switch your landline to digital (VoIP) through your broadband connection
Act early and do not wait until 2027. Many areas are moving sooner as part of the BT PSTN programme.
PSTN Switch Off and Full Fibre Broadband FAQs
What is the PSTN switch off?
The PSTN switch off is the retirement of the UK’s copper-based phone and broadband network by 2027, moving services to digital full fibre connections.
When will the PSTN switch off happen?
The full switch off is scheduled for January 2027, though some areas are transitioning sooner.
Will my landline stop working after the switch off?
Yes. Copper-based landlines will stop working. You will need a digital VoIP phone service connected through your broadband.
Does the PSTN switch off affect broadband?
Yes. Broadband services using copper lines (ADSL or FTTC) will no longer work. You will need to switch to full fibre. Check Full Fibre Broadband Availability.
How do I know if full fibre is available in my area?
Use the Full Fibre Broadband Availability Checker to see available full fibre packages at your address.
Why should I switch early?
Switching now future-proofs your home or business, avoids last-minute stress and brings immediate benefits such as ultrafast speeds and improved reliability.
Do not wait until the UK landline switch off in 2027 catches you out. Run our Full Fibre Postcode Checker to see if full fibre is live in your area and make the switch with Fusion Fibre Group.
