The UK is undergoing one of the biggest changes in its telecommunications infrastructure in over a century: the phase-out of traditional analogue landlines. BT (and its infrastructure arm Openreach) is gradually moving customers over to Digital Voice (VoIP over broadband), in a transition that will retire the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and ISDN services.
Recently, BT announced that an additional 95 locations are now slated for the landline shutdown, adding to earlier phases. In other words: your home or business might be next in line. This article unpacks what this means, how to check whether your area is affected, and how you can prepare for the switch to digital landlines.
Basic Information: BT Landline Shutdown in the UK
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What is happening? | BT is transitioning from analogue (copper-based) landlines to Digital Voice (calling over broadband). |
| Number of new locations added | 95 additional locations recently announced. |
| Final deadline | All traditional PSTN and ISDN services will be shut off by 31 January 2027. |
| Reason for delay | Originally planned by end-2025, but delayed to protect vulnerable users and better manage migration. |
| Technology used | Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) – calls routed via broadband, not copper wires. |
| Who is affected? | Households, small businesses, and any device reliant on landline (alarms, telecare, faxes). |
| Protections for vulnerable users | Migration of vulnerable users is being deferred until adequate support is in place. |
Why Is BT Phasing Out Landlines?
The move away from copper landlines is long overdue. Traditional PSTN and ISDN infrastructure is aging, increasingly expensive to maintain, and incapable of supporting modern digital demands. By switching to Digital Voice, BT aims to modernize UK telecom infrastructure, lower operational costs, and allow more flexible features.
BT’s own site states that rather than disappearing, the landline as a service will continue—just over internet rather than copper. The benefit is that calls will still function via your broadband connection, and traditional handsets may still work (via adaptation).
What Does “95 More Locations” Mean?
Adding 95 more locations means BT is increasing the pace of its rollout. Previously, shutdowns were happening region by region—first London, then East Anglia, then Midlands, and so on. Now, more areas will soon be under migration notices.
If your area is among these 95, you’ll receive formal notice from BT several weeks ahead of the switch. That allows you to prepare or raise any concerns. BT’s policy is to notify customers, provide support, and ensure no one is left without a working phone line if they rely on it for telecare or emergencies.
Are You at Risk? How to Check
- Wait for official notification – BT/your provider will contact you at least a month ahead.
- Check your local exchange area or postcode announcements – BT is doing phased area-by-area migration.
- Contact your provider – ask if your area is scheduled.
- Watch news & local notices – especially if you live outside big cities.
If your area is scheduled, don’t panic: often the migration is relatively smooth (you plug your handset into your router or use an adapter). However, issues can arise—especially with devices that expect analogue lines.
Potential Challenges and Risks
Device Compatibility
Many households and businesses use landlines for alarms, telecare, fax machines, or other systems that rely on analogue connectivity. When the switch happens, some of these may break or require adaptation.
Power and Connectivity
Unlike copper lines (which supply power), digital landlines depend on your home’s electricity and broadband. That means during a power outage, your phone may not work unless battery backup is in place. Particularly in rural or lower-coverage areas, dropouts or weak broadband could hamper reliability.
Transition Problems
Reports have already surfaced of customers left without service for days, or faced with additional charges while rectifying transition issues. If your switch is mishandled, there may be downtime or complications.
Costs & Upgrades
While BT promises no extra cost for many users switching to Digital Voice, there may be costs associated with upgrading router hardware, adapters, or backup systems. Businesses may feel the burden more keenly if systems are mission critical.
What You Should Do to Prepare
- Check your router / broadband: Confirm it’s compatible and strong enough for VoIP.
- List every device tied to your landline: Alarms, faxes, telecare systems, etc. Contact suppliers to check digital compatibility.
- Ask for resilience solutions: If you’re reliant on a landline for emergency calls, request battery backup or alternative solutions.
- Save your phone number info: You’ll likely retain your existing number during the switch.
- Plan a test: On the migration date, test outgoing and incoming calls, and test your devices.
- Stay informed: Watch for BT or Ofcom announcements and deadlines.
Will Your Area Be Next?
Given that 95 additional locations have just been added, chances are good that the switch will reach more densely populated or rural areas soon. As the migration continues, the incremental additions will cover virtually every part of the UK by the final 2027 deadline.
So yes: your area could very well be next. Rather than wait, it’s wise to proactively monitor your provider’s notices.
Final Thoughts
The BT landline shutdown is not a distant worry—it’s happening now and accelerating. Adding those 95 new locations signals that BT is intensifying its rollout. While the end goal is modernization and improvement, the path may be bumpy for those dependent on older technology.
If you’re relying on a landline right now, it’s best to start preparing sooner rather than later. Check your devices, broadband, and backup systems. Stay alert for notices. And be ready to adjust—because when your location is next on the list, you’ll want to make the migration as smooth as possible.
