The Digital Switchover

Contents

The Digital Switchover

The way phone lines work in the UK is changing. 

By the end of 2027, Openreach will switch old-style phone lines to a new digital system. This may affect phones and other devices in homes, schools and businesses.

You can read more about what you need to do.

What is The Digital Switchover?

The old copper phone network (PSTN) is being replaced by digital services that use fibre and the internet. Voice calls will move to internet-based calls (VoIP). 

Your phone company will tell customers what to do.

Why it matters

This change could affect:

  • Burglar and personal alarms
  • Telecare devices (for example, fall alarms and lifelines)
  • Card payment machines at shops (EPOS)
  • Door entry and CCTV systems
  • Fax machines and some building heating systems (BEMS)