Is your property ready for the digital landline switchover?
Get your rural home and business ready for the telecoms switchover ahead of 2027. Find out what is changing and how to prepare
The way landline services are delivered is changing. After 31 January 2027, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which is based on the traditional copper analogue landlines, will be replaced by a digital network through the UK.
Many property and business owners will have already switched over to the new network, but there are some who may not be aware of this change or have yet to be contacted by their communication provider. This short blog sets out what CLA members and landowners need to know about the switchover.
Why is PSTN being replaced?
The current copper-based landline which makes up the traditional telephone network is no longer fit for purpose and has become increasingly difficult and costly to maintain. As a result, rather than continuing to repair the network, BT, through its infrastructure provider Openreach, is moving customers to a digital network which is designed to be more reliable, resilient and future-proof.
The change reflects the way that technology and communications have evolved, with more services now delivered over broadband and digital networks rather than traditional analogue phone lines.
What exactly is a digital network?
Essentially, a digital network allows for voice and data to be transmitted between different devices. In a practical sense, the change to digital for telephony means that calls will be made through the broadband connection via Voice Over Internet Protocol or VOIP.
It would mean that users can make and receive phone calls at home in much the same way that they do now, but the phone will connect through a broadband router rather than a traditional phone line.
What you need to do
If you have not yet been contacted about the switchover, speak to your communications provider as soon as possible rather than waiting until the January 2027 deadline. Your provider is the company that supplies the telephone service, such as BT, Virgin Media, or TalkTalk. Contact details for the respective will be on your telephone bill.
For more information on preparing for the change, visit the Openreach website here.
Stay tuned for further guidance and advice from the CLA as we will be providing more information to members as the switchover deadline approaches.
