Landline Switch-Off 2027: What UK Homes Need to Do Now

The landline switch-off 2027 deadline is getting closer. With less than three months until 31 January 2027, households still using traditional phone lines should check whether they need to make changes.

But there is good news. You do not need to give up your home phone number or buy a whole new phone setup. In many cases, you can keep your existing number and handset when moving to a digital landline.

Here is what the change means, who needs to act and how to prepare your home phone.

Want to keep your home phone? Explore Phonely’s digital home phone options and find out how to make the switch.

What does the landline switch-off 2027 mean for UK homes?

On 31 January 2027, Openreach plans to retire the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

This is the old network that has carried home phone calls for decades. As the equipment ages, it has become harder to maintain.

Instead, home phone calls are moving to digital technology, often called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

For most households, this means:

• Your home phone will work through a digital connection.
• You can usually keep your existing phone number.
• Many existing handsets will still work.
• You may need an adapter or a compatible broadband router.

The important thing to remember is that home phones are not disappearing. It is the technology behind them that is changing.

Some providers operate their own networks and have different migration schedules. If you are unsure whether the deadline affects you, contact your current phone provider.

Who needs to act before 31 January 2027?

Not every household needs to arrange a new phone service.

If your home phone already uses a digital connection, you may not need to make any changes.

However, you should contact your provider if:

• Your home phone still connects directly to a traditional telephone wall socket.
• You have not received information about moving to digital.
• You want to keep your existing landline number.
• You rely on your home phone and have limited mobile signal.
• You use a personal alarm, care pendant or security system connected to your phone line.

If you are unsure which type of connection you have, your provider can check.

Do not leave this until the final few days. Arranging a switch now gives you more time to check your equipment and avoid unnecessary disruption.

Can you keep your landline number after the switch-off?

Yes. In most cases, you can transfer your existing home phone number to a digital landline provider.

This means family members, friends and other important contacts can continue calling the number they already know.

If you decide to move to Phonely, the process is straightforward:

1. Choose a suitable digital home phone plan.
2. Request to transfer your existing landline number.
3. Phonely will help arrange the transfer.
4. Keep your current service active until the transfer is complete.

Number transfers typically take around 7 to 14 days, although times can vary.

Important: Do not cancel your existing phone service before arranging the number transfer. Cancelling too early could put your number at risk.

Find out how to transfer your home phone number to Phonely.

Will you need to buy a new home phone?

Not necessarily.

Many households can continue using their existing home phone when they move to a digital service.

Instead of connecting directly to the old telephone socket, the handset connects through a compatible router or phone adapter.

For example, Phonely provides an adapter with its CallGuard service, allowing customers to connect many existing home phones to their digital service.

That means you may be able to keep the handset you are familiar with, including compatible cordless phones.

It is worth checking compatibility before switching, particularly if you have an older or specialist handset.

Do you need broadband for a digital landline?

Digital home phones generally use a broadband connection to make and receive calls.

However, you do not necessarily need full-fibre broadband.

Depending on the provider and the service available at your address, a digital home phone may work with different types of broadband connection.

You can also choose to have your broadband and home phone with separate providers.

For example, Phonely provides digital home phone services that can work alongside a compatible broadband connection from another company.

If you do not currently have broadband, speak to your phone provider about the options available. Do not assume that you must buy an expensive internet package just to keep making home phone calls.

What happens to your digital landline during a power cut?

This is an important difference between traditional and digital home phones.

Traditional corded landlines could often continue working during a power cut. Digital home phones usually need electricity to power the router and other equipment.

Without suitable backup power, your digital home phone may stop working until electricity returns.

If you depend on your landline to contact emergency services, have poor mobile reception or use a care alarm, tell your provider before switching.

Your provider must assess your needs and arrange appropriate support. Eligible customers who cannot otherwise contact emergency services during a power cut must be offered a free backup solution.

It is also important to check whether any care alarms or other connected equipment will work with your new service.

Can a digital landline help stop scam calls?

Moving to a digital home phone also gives households the opportunity to consider additional call protection.

Unwanted calls can be particularly frustrating for anyone who relies on their home phone to stay in touch with family and friends.

Phonely’s CallGuard service includes features designed to reduce unwanted calls and give customers more control over who gets through.

These include:

Known scam number blocking

CallGuard uses a regularly updated block list to help prevent calls from numbers identified as suspicious.

Call screening

Unknown callers can be asked to say their name and press a randomly selected number before the call is connected. This can help filter automated nuisance calls.

Trusted Person

A nominated trusted person can join a call using the service’s Trusted Person feature, offering additional reassurance when a caller seems suspicious.

No phone service can guarantee that every scam call will be stopped. However, these features can provide an extra layer of protection.

For families helping an older parent manage unwanted calls, this may be worth considering when choosing a new home phone provider.

Helping an older parent prepare for the landline switch-off

If your parent still uses a traditional home phone, a quick conversation now could help make the change easier.

You do not need to be a technology expert. Start with these six steps.

If your parent needs extra help with the change, make sure their provider knows.

What happens if you miss the January 2027 deadline?

If your home phone still relies on the traditional Openreach network after 31 January 2027, your service could be disrupted.

Some eligible lines may be moved to a temporary emergency voice service. However, this is not a permanent replacement and may not support all the features you currently use.

You should not assume that your existing phone service will continue unchanged.

Contact your current provider now to confirm what needs to happen.

Frequently asked questions about the landline switch-off 2027

Make sure your home phone is ready for 2027

The landline switch-off does not mean saying goodbye to your home phone.

For many households, moving to digital means keeping the same number and familiar handset, with the option of additional features such as scam call blocking.

The most important step is finding out whether your current service needs to change.

If you are considering a new provider, Phonely offers digital home phone plans designed to make the move straightforward.

Explore Phonely’s home phone options or call our team on 0800 112 5000 to discuss your options.

Information correct as of November 2026. For official guidance, visit Ofcom’s digital landline advice and Openreach’s PSTN switch-off guidance.