Communication providers are upgrading the technology they use to provide landline and telephone services with a fully digital network. As part of this upgrade, the existing network called the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) will be withdrawn.

For the majority of customers the upgrade to VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) has already happened and will be completed by January 2027. The government is working together with the telecommunications industry to ensure that all customers and critical services are protected and prepared.

If someone uses a landline to make voice calls today (in 2025) then they can continue to use a landline in future. However, in some cases it may be necessary to change communication provider, if the current provider does not offer a voice service in future.

More information here: moving landlines to digital technologies.

Further information is also available at: https://digitalphoneswitchover.com.

If you, or someone you know uses a telecare alarm, it’s important that you let your landline provider know. It’s a simple process, but the switchover is already happening, so it’s important that you act now.

Get in touch with your landline provider directly or visit digitalphoneswitchover.com for more information.