UK landline network to transition to digital system within 100 days

The transition is expected to be completed by January 31, 2027. The Digital Connectivity Forum (DCF) has confirmed that customers will retain their landline service and phone numbers, and most existing handsets will remain compatible.

With the new system, phones will connect to broadband routers instead of wall sockets. Some customers may require new equipment, such as routers, adaptors, or handsets, which will be provided by their service providers.

Ofcom advises users to contact their providers to determine if they are affected, particularly those with care alarms, health pendants, or security systems reliant on the telephone line. Individuals with disabilities or those lacking mobile phone access or reliable mobile signal are also encouraged to reach out for assistance.

BT aims to have all customers using the BT Openreach network migrated to a digital landline by the end of January. Virgin Media O2 and KCOM, which operate their own networks, also plan to retire their legacy systems, though specific timelines have not been announced.

The change aligns with the UK government’s goal of widespread access to full fiber broadband. While the new system promises greater reliability, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on remote communities during emergencies, as the traditional network operates independently of mains electricity.

Labour MP Torcuil Crichton expressed concerns about connectivity in the Western Isles, stating, “When the power goes out, people don’t have the phone, they don’t have the internet, and often they don’t have a mobile signal either.”

Ofcom mandates that providers ensure customers can contact emergency services during power outages. Customers without mobile phones or reliable mobile signal are entitled to a free back-up solution, such as a battery unit lasting at least one hour. Many providers offer longer backup durations, up to seven hours. Mobile phones generally provide an alternative, as 999 calls can connect through another network even without a direct signal.