Openreach says the traditional PSTN will close on 31 January 2027. Make an inventory now: old phone lines may also feed alarms, lifts, payment terminals or other equipment.
What changes on 31 January 2027?
Openreach’s stated deadline for retiring the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is 31 January 2027. It is the network behind traditional analogue phone lines. The change also affects legacy line products and equipment that depends on them. The right replacement depends on what each line does; a voice service can often move to a digital phone system, while specialist equipment needs its own compatibility check.
Start with an inventory
Walk the premises and check every telephone socket, line and communications cabinet. Ask your landlord, alarm company, lift contractor, payment provider and any monitoring supplier what is connected. Record the number, service, equipment owner, power needs and who will arrange a replacement.
Do not assume a VoIP phone system covers everything
Moving the main business number to VoIP does not automatically migrate a fax, alarm communicator, care device, door entry system or payment terminal. Ask the equipment supplier to confirm in writing that the specific model and configuration work on the proposed digital service. If it needs a mobile or other network path, plan and test that separately.
Check power and resilience
Traditional copper lines could provide low-voltage power to some devices. Digital phones and broadband equipment generally need power at the premises. Identify what must keep working during a power cut, including emergency calling, and agree a suitable backup with your provider and equipment supplier. Do not rely on a battery or mobile signal without testing it at the site.
A practical migration plan
Ask your communications provider to identify affected lines, confirm the migration route, preserve numbers where required, state installation and any equipment costs, and agree a date with time to test. Keep the old service until the replacement has been tested and the suppliers confirm it can be ceased safely.
Act before the deadline
Openreach maintains the 31 January 2027 date. Build in time for specialist checks and installation; do not wait until the last few weeks. This article is general guidance, and safety-critical equipment should be assessed by its supplier. The Calls Warehouse can help review business phone requirements and plan a migration.
Further reading
Sources checked 3 November 2026. Guidance can change; confirm current availability and contract terms with the relevant provider.
Need help with your business telecoms?
Talk through your requirements with The Calls Warehouse.