The UK's analogue telephone network is being retired because it is ageing, increasingly unreliable and becoming more difficult to maintain. The telecommunications industry is working towards completing the move to digital voice services by January 2027. This does not mean that landline services are ending; residents will still be able to have a landline, but calls will be carried over broadband using digital technology rather than the traditional analogue network. There are also industry and government agreements in place to protect vulnerable customers and those who rely on telecare or personal alarm services.

When a customer's provider is ready to move them from analogue to digital services, they will be contacted directly and advised of any steps they need to take. In many cases, the change is straightforward, but the process can vary depending on the equipment and telephone setup a resident has at home. Providers are responsible for explaining what is required and offering any support needed during the transition.

Because each provider is managing its own migration programme, residents who receive communications should contact that provider directly if they have questions about how the changes will affect their individual service or contract. 

However, residents are encouraged to respond to any communications they receive from their provider and not ignore them, so there are no interruptions in their services. If a resident does not switch, they won’t lose access to their landline, they will be moved to an Emergency Voice Access (EVAC) line. It is important to note that anyone moved to an EVAC line will lose access to their broadband services until they make the switch.

For residents who are vulnerable, use telecare services, health-monitoring equipment or personal alarms, it is particularly important that they contact their telephone provider and make them aware of any vulnerability, medical dependency or telecare equipment they rely on. This allows the provider to check that any equipment is compatible with digital phone services and discuss solutions such as battery backup should they rely on their landline during a power cut.

Staffordshire County Council recently released information via a press release to help residents Health and Care leader urges family and friends to help keep loved one's safe and connected: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/newsroom/2026/health-and-care-leader-urges-family-and-friends-help-keep-loved-ones-safe-and

The Ofcom website also has a lot of useful resources and information: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/landline-phones/future-of-landline-calls

Gigafast Staffordshire also has lots of useful information: https://gigafaststaffordshire.co.uk/

BT are also currently running a series of webinars for members of the public to help them understand what the digital switchover means for them. Login | BT Digital Switchover: https://crowdcomms.com/digitalswitchover/login

Each session is free to attend and includes:
• Daytime, evening and weekend options
• Clear, practical guidance from BT experts, with the opportunity to ask questions.
• Downloadable resources, including posters and frequently asked questions