The PSTN Switch-off: January 2027

BT and other telephone service providers are modernising the landline network, known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), switching from analogue to digital or Internet Protocol (IP). The outdated copper telephone lines are being replaced with fibre optic ones, and digital technology known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) will facilitate landline calls via broadband.

The change is driven by a growing demand for faster networks and connectivity, compounded by the increasing difficulty and expense of maintaining the PSTN.

Upon completion of the upgrade, intruder and fire alarms reliant on an analogue telephone line will fail to communicate with the alarm receiving centre, rendering them non-functional.

If your alarm currently signals via the telephone network, you’ll need to upgrade your signalling device to a digital one. However, if you have an old security system supported only by circuit-switched technology, it won’t be compatible with any other technology and will need to be replaced.

Signalling via the mobile network means you could save costs. For example, you’ll no longer have any call charges relating to your intruder alarm on your phone bill, and you won’t need to pay for line rental. Also, there will be no risk of your phone cable being cut and disabling your alarm.

BT is phasing out the UK’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) by 31 January 2027, with other providers following the same timeline. A national stop-sell on new analogue services is already in place, and Openreach has begun withdrawing traditional lines in selected exchanges, meaning some customers are being transitioned early. This makes it important for households and businesses to start preparing now.

If you have a security system connected to an analogue phone line, your security provider should be in touch. However, please contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss an upgrade.

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