For some time now, there has been a plan that from September 2023, BT Openreach would stop selling any new analogue phone lines. This is the next step in the UK landline shutdown, which is due to complete by the end of 2025.
On 8th August 2023, Openreach announced a variation to this plan. The original “stop sell” date of 5th September has been extended to 28th March 2024 – but only in premises where newer alternatives are not yet available.
The UK landline shutdown affects both business and residential customers. It is happening because of the age of the UK’s current landline network, and the associated challenges of maintaining it.
What do I do if I need a new line?
- If you need a new telephone connection installing, then in future you’ll need a system that uses Internet connectivity, known as VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol).
- If you need a new Broadband line installing, this can be done using a relatively new technology known as SOGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access). As the name suggests, this is a single connection which no longer needs to run over a conventional phone line.
What if I’m still using an old analogue line?
If you are currently using a conventional phone line (either for your telephone, or to carry your Internet connectivity) then you’ll need to make a change by 2025.
There are a number of different providers offering Internet-based alternatives. Although the final switch-off is two years away, it is worth investigating your options sooner rather than later, to decide which you feel is the right solution for your needs.
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