With the UK’s 40-year-old analogue landline network set to close at the end of January 2027, BT has revealed that the majority of its landline customers, over three million households, are already benefiting from safer, more reliable digital landlines. What’s more, new research reveals that most Brits who have made the switch say they feel more reassured about making and receiving calls, thanks to the additional benefits digital landlines offer.
The UK’s ageing PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) runs on analogue copper infrastructure and has become increasingly unreliable. It no longer meets the connectivity standards expected in today’s digital age. Supported by Government and Ofcom, the nationwide move to digital landlines is delivering a more reliable and resilient service fit for the future. Similar upgrades are already underway or complete in countries including Australia, Germany, France and the Netherlands.
BT is investing more than any other provider into the UK’s digital infrastructure to support next-generation connectivity and services. This includes plans to bring full fibre – the UK’s most reliable broadband technology – to 30 million UK homes and businesses and 5G+ mobile connectivity to 99% of the population. BT Group’s full fibre broadband network currently reaches two thirds of the UK’s homes and businesses and its 5G+ mobile network reaches 69% of the population.
Allison Kirkby, BT Group Chief Executive, said: “Upgrading the UK’s digital backbone is essential to make sure everyone has the modern, secure and resilient connectivity they can trust to help them prosper in a connected world. Failing, decades-old infrastructure holds back homes, businesses and digital inclusion ambitions.
“BT is currently one of the biggest investors into UK infrastructure and will have invested more than £40bn into the country between 2020 and 2030. We know that growth and opportunity is unleashed, as a result of our investment and when people, businesses and communities connect to our digital networks.
Time to Act:
In the final year of the nationwide upgrade, BT is reminding customers that support is available and that failing to respond to messages from their provider may result in disruption to their phone or broadband services as the switchover deadline approaches.
Supporting consumers and businesses:
The majority of BT handsets are compatible with BT’s digital landline service, and customers will generally keep their existing number and pricing when moving over. Customers may need to confirm their preferred option, plug their phone into their broadband hub, or book an engineer visit. Customers with additional needs, including those who use telecare devices or pendant alarms, should inform their provider as soon as possible so the right support can be put in place.
BT is also working with businesses of all sizes to support them in the upgrade, with around 80% of private and public sector customers now migrated their voice services from analogue to digital. Since the beginning of 2026, BT Business has now begun upgrading many remaining organisations through ‘protective migrations’ where possible, automatically moving their analogue services onto the right long-term digital solution.
All businesses who haven’t yet upgraded are being contacted directly to agree migration plans, test new solutions and confirm how services are used within their organisation – which is critical given not all services can be upgraded automatically. Engagement therefore remains vital, particularly in critical national infrastructure sectors, to avoid disruption and ensure services continue to operate safely and securely beyond 2027, with further information available here in this blog.
Protecting the Most Vulnerable:
Protecting customers with additional needs remains BT’s top priority and will continue to be a core focus throughout 2026 as the switchover progresses. As part of this ongoing commitment, BT continues to strengthen safeguards, including:
Expert Guidance: BT established the Digital Voice Advisory Group in 2022, made up of charities and representative groups, to help inform and guide its approach to the digital landline switch. BT also continues to work closely with local authorities, telecare providers, charities and government as part of the PSTN Charter of Commitments, helping to ensure that vulnerable customers are identified and supported safely through the transition
Data Sharing: 99% of Local Authorities have signed data-sharing agreements to help identify and protect telecare users whose devices may be connected to the analogue copper network.
Professional Installation: Free in-home engineer visits for those who need extra help.
Resilience: Provision of backup power solutions to help customers make calls during power cuts.
BT will maintain nationwide awareness through face-to-face events, regional outreach and accessible communications. Customers are advised to wait until they are contacted, but to take prompt action when they are. If you don’t, the services you rely on could be impacted.
