Our phone lines are going digital

The UK’s landlines are evolving 

After supporting our phone and broadband connections for many years, the old copper analogue network (or PSTN Network) is being retired. This UK-wide upgrade is well underway and already delivering faster and more reliable communications for businesses and homes up and down the country.

What is not changing?

Your phone number will not disappearing – it is simply moving to a smarter, digital platform. By the end of January 2027, most customers will make calls exactly as they do today, but over a broadband connection using Voice over IP (VoIP). It is the same experience but using current technology.

Why is BT doing this?

Digital landlines are easier to maintain, more reliable and designed to support the next generation of connected services and devices. This upgrade puts the UK in line with global peers such as Germany, France, Australia and Japan, and is an essential milestone on the journey to a Full Fibre future.

Progress so far

Since the digital switchover announcement in 2017, millions of lines have already been migrated. However as of December 2025, there are still 3 million lines that are at risk.

What this means for you

To avoid disruption or disconnection, it is essential all services on the PSTN network are migrated to a digital solution by January 2027. The most obvious impact will be on your office phone system or main business phone number. However, there are a range of other devices that have traditionally relied on PSTN technology, such as fax machines, card machines, alarms, and emergency lift lines.

While the deadline is January 2027, BT is keen for any remaining lines to migrate well ahead of this date and they are incentivising customers to move as soon as possible with a series of price rise throughout 2026 (20% in April 2026, 40% in July 2026 and 40% in October 2026 – a compound increase of over 100%).

How can Talk UK help?

If you are one of the customers that still relies on PSTN technology then the now is the time to act. Please contact us today, we are happy to review your services free of charge to ensure you are ready for the switchover.