Free tool

PSTN Switch-Off Checker

Answer 5 short questions about your phone, broadband and equipment. Get a personalised answer on whether the 31 January 2027 PSTN switch-off affects you, what specifically stops working, and the replacement options ranked by fit.

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We use this for regional context only. We do not store it.

The one-line summary

From 31 January 2027, no voice call can be delivered over the UK's traditional copper telephone network (PSTN). Openreach is migrating exchanges area by area through 2026 and 2027. If you have anything plugged into a copper line, plan a replacement before your local exchange goes.

Most fibre broadband customers move to Digital Voice from their existing ISP. Households and businesses that rely on analogue equipment (phones, alarms, lifts, lifelines, older card terminals) or do not have reliable broadband typically need a hardware-based alternative like ONSIM Landline Replacement, which keeps their existing phone working over the mobile network.

The main replacement options

Analogue-first

ONSIM Landline Replacement

Plug your existing analogue phone into the ONSIM box, calls run over the ONSIM mobile network. No broadband needed. Also works with analogue alarms and card terminals. From £10/mo + VAT.

See ONSIM Landline Replacement →

Mostly inbound

ONSIM Virtual Landline

Keep a UK landline number that rings your mobile. No new hardware. Ideal if the landline is mainly for inbound calls. From £5/mo + VAT.

See ONSIM Virtual Landline →

Broadband-based

Digital Voice from your ISP

BT Digital Voice, Sky Talk, Virgin Media digital voice, etc. Straightforward if you have fibre and no analogue kit. Requires broadband and mains power to be up for calls to work.

Bridge measure

BT EVAc

Emergency Voice Access, a free BT service for vulnerable customers as a time-limited bridge during migration. Not a permanent answer. See our EVAc vs Landline Replacement page for the trade-offs.

EVAc vs Landline Replacement →

Frequently asked questions

About the PSTN switch-off and this checker

What is the PSTN switch-off?

The UK's traditional copper telephone network (PSTN) is being permanently withdrawn. The hard deadline is 31 January 2027. From that date, no analogue voice service delivered over copper will work. Openreach is migrating exchanges area by area from 2026 onward.

When exactly is my area affected?

Openreach announces exchange-level "stop sell" dates in tranches. Your specific date depends on your local exchange. Ask your current telecoms provider for your exact migration date. The universal cut-off is 31 January 2027, regardless of local scheduling.

What is Digital Voice?

The generic name for a voice service delivered over broadband (VoIP). BT calls it Digital Voice, Sky calls it Sky Talk, and so on. It replaces the analogue landline for most fibre broadband customers, but it requires broadband to be up and mains power at the router.

What is BT EVAc?

BT's Emergency Voice Access. A free bridge service for vulnerable customers being migrated, giving them a working phone during the transition. It is a time-limited stopgap, not a permanent solution. See EVAc vs Landline Replacement for the trade-offs.

What is ONSIM Landline Replacement?

A small box that plugs into your existing analogue phone. It carries the call over the ONSIM mobile network instead of copper or broadband. No app, no VoIP, no engineer visit. Suited to households and businesses that rely on analogue equipment (phones, alarms, lifelines) and do not want to depend on broadband uptime. From £10/mo + VAT.

What about my alarm system?

Traditional PSTN-connected alarms lose their monitoring station connection at switch-off. You need either an alarm with a mobile / IP module fitted, or a certified analogue-line replacement (like ONSIM Landline Replacement) that keeps the auto-dialler working. Confirm with your alarm installer before the switch.

What about my lift emergency phone?

Lift emergency phones are covered by BS EN 81-28 which places a legal obligation on the building operator to keep the line functional. Most lift phone lines will need a compliant digital-line replacement. Contact your lift maintenance contractor to specify a compliant solution.

Can I keep my existing landline number?

Yes. Your 01, 02 or 03 number can be ported to a new service (Digital Voice, ONSIM Landline Replacement, ONSIM Virtual Landline, another provider). Number porting is a standard process regulated by Ofcom.

Is this checker legal or professional advice?

No. This tool gives general guidance based on your answers. For safety-critical equipment (alarms, lifts, medical alerts) always confirm the fix with the equipment installer. For regulated business use (FCA / PCI-DSS) confirm any new voice architecture with your compliance team.

Do you store my answers or postcode?

No. Your answers are saved in your own browser (localStorage) so you can come back and complete the check. Nothing is uploaded or logged by ONSIM. The postcode field is optional and used only for regional context in the recommendation.

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