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The Big Phone Line Switch-Off: What Every UK Business Needs to Know (2026 Guide)

The Big Phone Line Switch-Off: What Every UK Business Needs to Know (2026 Guide)

If you run a business in the UK, you have probably heard something about "the phone lines being switched off." Maybe your provider sent a letter. Maybe a colleague mentioned it. Maybe you saw something on the news and thought, "That cannot be right."

It is right. And it affects your business.

But here's the good news: it is not as scary as it sounds. You have time. You have options. And in most cases, you will actually save money by switching early.

This guide explains everything in plain English. No jargon, no scare tactics. Just what is happening, what it means for you, and exactly what to do about it.

What is Actually Happening?

BT's network arm, Openreach, is switching off the old copper telephone network. This is the network that has carried phone calls and broadband across the UK for over 40 years.

It is called the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). You do not need to remember that name. Just think of it as "the old phone line system."

Here is what you need to know:

  • The stop-sell already happened in December 2025. You can no longer order a new traditional phone line anywhere in the UK. That ship has sailed.
  • The full switch-off happens in January 2027. Every remaining traditional phone line will stop working.
  • This is not optional. It is happening whether you are ready or not.

This is not some small technical change behind the scenes. If your business uses a traditional landline, broadband delivered over a phone line, a fax machine, or any device that plugs into a phone socket, this affects you.

Why Is This Happening?

The copper phone network was built in the 1980s. Some parts of it are even older. It is expensive to maintain. It breaks down. It floods. It is slow.

Here are some hard facts about the old network:

  • It costs Openreach over £1 billion per year to maintain. That is money spent on patching up ageing infrastructure instead of building something better.
  • The copper network is vulnerable to weather damage. Flooding, lightning strikes, and even heavy rain can knock out phone lines and broadband for days. Digital networks are far more resilient.
  • The technology is outdated. The PSTN was designed to carry voice calls. It was never built for the internet. Trying to run modern broadband over copper phone lines is like trying to stream Netflix on a dial-up modem. It works, sort of, but it is not what the technology was designed for.
  • Engineers who maintain the old network are retiring. The specialist knowledge needed to fix 40-year-old copper exchanges is literally dying out. Openreach cannot recruit new engineers to maintain a network that is about to be switched off.

Meanwhile, digital technology has moved on massively. Internet-based calls are clearer, cheaper, and more reliable. Fibre broadband is faster. Everything is moving digital.

Openreach has been maintaining two networks in parallel, the old copper one and the new digital one. That costs a fortune. So they are switching off the old one and moving everything to digital.

It is the same thing that happened when we switched from analogue to digital TV. Remember that? Everyone worried, everyone switched, and it turned out to be better.

This is the same idea. And just like the digital TV switchover, businesses and households that switch early get a smoother experience. Those who wait until the last minute face a rush.

What IS Affected

Let us be specific. Here is everything that will stop working when the old network is switched off:

Traditional Landlines (Analogue Phone Lines)

If you pick up a phone handset plugged into a wall socket and hear a dial tone, that is an analogue phone line. It is going.

This includes:

  • Standard desk phones plugged into BT wall sockets
  • Phones connected via a DECT base station plugged into the wall
  • Cordless phones with a base unit in the phone socket
  • Any phone line you pay "line rental" for

ISDN Lines

ISDN is a digital phone line technology that is been around since the 1990s. Businesses use it for phone systems that need multiple lines. There are three types:

  • ISDN2: gives you 2 phone lines (common in small businesses)
  • ISDN10: gives you up to 10 lines
  • ISDN30: gives you up to 30 lines (used by larger offices and call centres)

All of them are being switched off. No exceptions.

Broadband Delivered Over a Phone Line

This is the one that catches people out.

If your broadband comes with a phone line, and you are paying line rental alongside your broadband, then your broadband setup will be affected. This includes:

  • ADSL broadband: the old, slow type (up to 17Mbps). This will stop working entirely.
  • FTTC broadband with a phone line: this is fibre to the cabinet (up to 80Mbps). The broadband itself uses the same cables, but the phone line part is being removed. You will need to switch to SOGEA (broadband without the phone line). More on that later.

Fax Machines

Yes, some businesses still use fax machines. If yours plugs into a phone socket, it will stop working. You will need to switch to an online fax service or email.

Alarm Systems

This is a big one. Many burglar alarms and fire alarms use the phone line to call the monitoring station when they are triggered. If your alarm is connected to a phone line, it will not be able to make that call after the switch-off.

Contact your alarm company now. Most can upgrade to a 4G or broadband connection instead.

PDQ / Card Payment Terminals

Older card machines dial out over a phone line to process payments. If yours has a phone cable plugged into the back, it is affected.

Most modern card machines use Wi-Fi, mobile data, or broadband. If yours does not, contact your payment provider about an upgrade.

Lift Emergency Phones

If your building has a lift, there is almost certainly an emergency phone inside it. In many cases, this is connected to a phone line. It needs to be switched to a digital or mobile connection.

This is a legal requirement. Lifts must have a working emergency phone. Do not leave this until the last minute.

Franking Machines

Some franking machines use a phone line to download postage credits. Check with your franking machine provider about switching to a broadband connection.

Door Entry Systems

Intercoms and door entry systems that dial a phone number to let you buzz someone in are affected. You will need to upgrade to an IP-based or mobile-based system.

What Is NOT Affected

Let us clear up the confusion. These things are absolutely fine:

Fibre Broadband (FTTP)

If you have full fibre broadband, where the fibre cable comes directly into your building, you are already on the new digital network. No action needed on broadband.

Mobile Phones

Your mobile phone has nothing to do with the copper phone network. It will carry on working as normal.

VoIP Phone Systems

If your phones already work over the internet (VoIP, hosted phone system, Microsoft Teams calling, etc.), you are already sorted. VoIP is the replacement for traditional phone lines.

Broadband via SOGEA

SOGEA stands for Single Order Generic Ethernet Access. In plain English, it is broadband without a phone line. If you already have this, you are fine. If you do not, this is probably what you need to switch to.

Looking for business broadband? Get a free quote for broadband, VoIP and business mobiles. Free comparison, no obligation.

What You Need to Do NOW: Step by Step

Do not panic. But do not ignore this either. Here is your action plan:

Step 1: Check Your Current Setup

Look at your latest phone and broadband bills. Ask yourself:

  • Am I paying for a phone line (line rental)?
  • Do I have a traditional landline number?
  • Is my broadband bundled with a phone line?
  • Do I have any ISDN lines?

If you answered yes to any of these, you need to act.

Walk around your premises too. Look for anything plugged into a phone socket: alarms, card machines, fax machines, door entry systems.

Step 2: Switch Your Broadband to SOGEA

If your broadband currently comes with a phone line, you need to switch to SOGEA. This is broadband without a phone line. Same speed. Same reliability. Less money.

We offer Sky Business Broadband SOGEA at just £35+VAT/month. That gives you 80Mbps download and 20Mbps upload. No phone line rental to pay. One simple bill.

More on SOGEA below. It is genuinely a better deal than what most businesses are paying now.

Step 3: Switch Your Phone System to VoIP

Your traditional landline is going. You need a replacement. The two main options are:

  • VoIP phone system: internet-based phones. You get all the features of a traditional system plus extras like call recording, auto-attendant, and mobile apps. Usually cheaper than what you are paying now.
  • Virtual landline: a service that forwards your landline number to your mobile. Simple, cheap, and perfect if you do not need desk phones.

You can keep your existing phone number in both cases. It gets "ported" to the new service.

Here is what most businesses do not realise: VoIP is actually better than a traditional landline in almost every way. You get:

  • Call recording: useful for training, disputes, and compliance
  • "Auto-attendant*: "Press 1 for sales, press 2 for accounts" Sounds professional without hiring a receptionist
  • Mobile app: answer your business calls from your mobile, wherever you are. Your customers see your office number, not your personal mobile
  • Multiple simultaneous calls: no more engaged tones. Handle as many calls at once as you need
  • Voicemail to email: missed calls get transcribed and emailed to you
  • Call analytics: see how many calls you are getting, when your busiest times are, and which calls are being missed

All of this for less than you are paying for your traditional phone line. VoIP is one of those rare upgrades where you get more features AND pay less.

We can help you with both options. Check out our business VoIP and virtual landline pages.

Step 4: Check Your Alarm, CCTV, PDQ Machines, and Other Devices

Make a list of everything in your business that uses a phone line. Then contact each provider:

  • Alarm company: ask them to switch your monitoring to 4G or broadband
  • Card payment provider: ask for a Wi-Fi or 4G terminal
  • Lift maintenance company: ask about digital emergency phone upgrades
  • Franking machine provider: ask about broadband connectivity
  • Door entry system installer: ask about IP-based or mobile alternatives

Do this now. Some of these changes take time, and providers are getting busier as the deadline approaches.

Step 5: Do not Panic, But Do not Leave It Until 2027

You have time. But the closer we get to January 2027, the busier providers will be. The longer the wait times. The fewer appointment slots.

Businesses that switch now get:

  • Better service (no rush, more attention)
  • Immediate cost savings (no more line rental)
  • Peace of mind (one less thing to worry about)

SOGEA Explained Simply

You will hear the word "SOGEA" a lot over the next year. Here is what it means in plain English.

SOGEA = broadband without a phone line.

That is it. That is all it means.

It stands for Single Order Generic Ethernet Access. But forget the name. Just remember: it is the same broadband you have now, but without paying for a phone line you do not need.

How Does It Work?

SOGEA uses the same Openreach network. The same cables. The same cabinet on your street. The same fibre. The same engineers.

The only difference is that the old analogue phone signal is removed. Your broadband runs on its own, without a phone line propping it up.

What Speeds Do You Get?

80Mbps download, 20Mbps upload. That is the same as FTTC broadband. No difference.

For most small businesses, this is more than enough. You can run video calls, cloud apps, card machines, and email all at once without any issues.

What Does It Cost?

We supply Sky Business Broadband SOGEA at £35+VAT/month. That is everything included. No phone line rental on top. No hidden extras.

How Does That Compare to What You are Paying Now?

Here is a typical comparison:

| | Old Setup (FTTC + Phone Line) | New Setup (SOGEA) | |---|---|---| | Monthly cost | £20 broadband + £18 line rental = £38+ | £35+VAT (all-in) | | Phone line | Required | Not needed | | Broadband speed | Up to 80/20 | Up to 80/20 | | Phone calls | Via landline | Via VoIP (cheaper, more features) | | Future-proof | No, being switched off | Yes, digital from day one |

Most businesses save money from day one. And you get a setup that is not about to be switched off.

Timeline: What Happens When

Here is the timeline so you know exactly where we are:

2023-2025: The Stop-Sell

Openreach gradually stopped selling new analogue phone lines across the UK, exchange by exchange. As of December 2025, the stop-sell is complete. You cannot order a new traditional phone line anywhere in the UK.

If you need a new connection now, it will be SOGEA (broadband without a phone line) or FTTP (full fibre). That is your only option.

2026: The Migration Year

This is where we are now. Openreach is actively migrating telephone exchanges from the old copper network to the new digital one.

Your exchange could be migrated at any time during 2026. When it is, you will get a notice from your provider. But do not wait for that notice. Switch now and beat the rush.

Some exchanges have already been migrated. If you are in one of these areas and have not switched, your phone line may already be on borrowed time.

January 2027: The Full Switch-Off

On this date, every remaining analogue and ISDN phone line in the UK will be switched off. If you have not moved to a digital alternative by then, your service will stop.

No extensions. No exceptions. No "just a few more months."

What Happens If You Do Nothing?

Let us be blunt about this. If you do absolutely nothing:

  • Your phone line will stop working. No dial tone. No incoming calls. No outgoing calls. Your business landline number will go dead. Customers who call your business number will hear nothing. They will assume you have closed down and call a competitor instead.
  • Your broadband might stop working. If it depends on a phone line (ADSL or FTTC with line rental), it could be disrupted or cut off entirely. No internet means no email, no cloud apps, no online banking, no card payments.
  • Your alarm will not call the monitoring station. If someone breaks in, your alarm will go off, but nobody will be notified. Your insurance company may refuse to pay out if your alarm system is not properly monitored. That is a double hit: you get burgled AND your insurer will not cover it.
  • Your card machine might stop processing payments. If it uses a phone line, transactions will not go through. You will lose sales. Customers will walk out because they cannot pay by card.
  • Your lift emergency phone will not work. That is a legal compliance issue. Under BS EN 81-28, lifts must have a functioning emergency communication system. A dead phone line means you are breaking the law.
  • Your fax machine stops. If you still rely on fax for contracts, prescriptions, or legal documents, those will stop coming through.
  • Your door entry system fails. If your intercom dials a phone number to let visitors in, it will not work. You will need someone stationed at the door.

None of this is speculation. It is what happens when the copper network is turned off and you are still connected to it.

The good news? All of this is avoidable. And most of the alternatives are cheaper and better than what you have now.

How Compare The Networks Helps

We have been helping UK businesses with their telecoms since 2008. We are OFCOM-regulated and rated 4.3 out of 5 on Trustpilot.

Here is what we can do for you:

Broadband

We supply Sky Business Broadband SOGEA at £35+VAT/month: 80/20 speeds, no phone line needed. We handle the switch from your current provider. Your broadband does not go down during the changeover.

Check out our business broadband options.

Phone Systems

We can set you up with a VoIP phone system or a virtual landline. Keep your existing number. Get better features. Usually save money.

Mobile

If you want to go mobile-first, we compare business mobile deals from all the major networks. Some businesses are ditching landlines entirely and just using mobiles with a virtual landline number.

One Call, Everything Sorted

You do not need to ring five different companies. Call us once. We will look at your broadband, phones, and mobiles together and give you a single recommendation. One switch. One bill. Sorted.

Real Costs: What UK Businesses Are Actually Saving

Let us put some real numbers on this. Here are three typical scenarios we see every week:

The Small Office

Before: FTTC broadband (£22/month) + phone line rental (£18.99/month) + ISDN2 for 2 phone lines (£30/month) = £70.99/month

After: Sky Business Broadband SOGEA (£35+VAT/month) + VoIP phone system (£15/month for 2 lines) = £50/month

Monthly saving: £20.99. Annual saving: £251.88.

The Retail Shop

Before: ADSL broadband (£28/month) + phone line rental (£18.99/month) + PDQ machine on phone line (£15/month) = £61.99/month

After: Sky Business Broadband SOGEA (£35+VAT/month) + Wi-Fi card machine (£15/month) + virtual landline (£5/month) = £55/month

Monthly saving: £6.99. Plus faster broadband, future-proof setup, and a card machine that actually works reliably.

The Tradesperson Working from Home

Before: Home broadband with phone line (£35/month) + line rental (£18.99/month) + barely used landline = £53.99/month (and not tax deductible because it is a home contract)

After: Sky Business Broadband SOGEA (£35+VAT/month, fully tax deductible and VAT reclaimable) + virtual landline (£5/month) = £40/month effective cost after tax relief

Monthly saving: £13.99. Plus you can reclaim the VAT.

These are real scenarios. The numbers will vary depending on what you are currently paying, but the direction is always the same: switching to SOGEA and VoIP saves money.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will my phone number change?

No. You can keep your existing landline number. It gets "ported" to your new VoIP or virtual landline service. Your customers will not notice any difference. Same number, same calls.

2. How long does the switch take?

Switching to SOGEA broadband typically takes 10-15 working days. VoIP phone setup can be done in a day or two. We overlap services so you are never without broadband or phones.

3. What about my alarm system?

Contact your alarm provider and ask them to switch your monitoring connection from a phone line to 4G or broadband. Most alarm companies are already doing this for their customers. Do not leave it too late. They are getting busy.

4. Is SOGEA as reliable as a phone line for broadband?

Yes. SOGEA uses the same Openreach network and the same cables. The broadband part is identical to FTTC. You are just not paying for a phone line signal you do not need. Same speeds, same reliability, lower cost.

5. I barely use my landline. Do I still need to do anything?

Yes. Even if you never make calls on it, if you are paying line rental, your setup is affected. You should switch to SOGEA to remove the phone line and save money. If you occasionally receive calls on the landline number, port it to a virtual landline for a few pounds a month.

6. What if I am in a contract with my current provider?

Check your contract end date. If it ends before January 2027, you can switch when it expires. If it runs past that date, your provider should be contacting you about migration. Either way, give us a call and we will advise you on the best timing.

7. Is this just a BT thing?

No. Openreach provides the physical network for almost all broadband and phone providers in the UK (BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Vodafone, and many others). When Openreach switches off the copper network, it affects everyone, regardless of which provider you are with.

8. Will this affect my internet speed?

No. SOGEA gives you the same speeds as FTTC, up to 80Mbps download and 20Mbps upload. If anything, some customers report slightly better performance because the line is optimised purely for data, without carrying a phone signal too.

9. I work from home. Does this affect me?

Yes, if your home broadband comes with a phone line. The switch-off affects residential and business lines equally. If you work from home, switching to SOGEA will save you money and future-proof your setup. And if you need a business-grade connection for reliability, our Sky Business Broadband SOGEA at £35+VAT/month is ideal for home workers.

10. What is the absolute latest I can leave this?

The switch-off is January 2027. But realistically, you should switch by mid-2026 at the latest. Here is why: as the deadline approaches, providers will be overwhelmed with requests. Engineer availability will be limited. Wait times will increase. The businesses that switch now get better service and immediate savings.

The Bottom Line

The phone line switch-off is happening. It is not a rumour, it is not a maybe, and it is not years away. It is happening in January 2027.

But it is genuinely not something to worry about if you act now. For most businesses, the switch means:

  • Lower bills (no more line rental)
  • Better phone features (VoIP is genuinely better than a landline)
  • Same broadband speeds (SOGEA is the same speed as FTTC)
  • Future-proofed setup (no more worrying about switch-offs)

We have helped thousands of UK businesses make the switch since 2008. We are OFCOM-regulated. We are rated 4.3/5 on Trustpilot. And we make it easy.

Ready to switch? Call Compare The Networks today or check your broadband options. One call. Everything sorted.

Further Reading

Checklist: PSTN Switch-Off Action Plan

Use this as a quick reference. Print it out. Stick it on the wall. Work through it.

  1. Check your broadband bill. Are you paying line rental?
  2. Check your phone bill. Do you have ISDN or analogue lines?
  3. Walk your premises. What is plugged into phone sockets?
  4. List every device that uses a phone line (alarms, card machines, lifts, fax, door entry)
  5. Call us about switching broadband to SOGEA (Sky Business Broadband, £35+VAT/month)
  6. Decide on VoIP phone system or virtual landline for your calls
  7. Contact alarm provider about upgrading to 4G/broadband monitoring
  8. Contact card machine provider about Wi-Fi or 4G terminals
  9. Contact lift maintenance about digital emergency phone upgrade
  10. Port your landline number to your new VoIP or virtual landline service
  11. Confirm everything is working on the new setup
  12. Cancel any remaining old services you are still paying for

That is it. Twelve steps. Most businesses can work through this in a few weeks. Start today and you will be sorted well before the January 2027 deadline.

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