A Guide to the Copper Wire Switch-Off

Please note: the copper switch-off deadline has been extended. The PSTN network (copper landline and broadband) is now scheduled to be retired by 31st January 2027, rather than the originally planned December 2025.

As the needs of both business and residential users continue to evolve, our telecommunications infrastructure is changing too, and the copper wire switch-off is a very big part of that. This could affect you if you’re still on a copper wire network, and although the changeover isn’t due until 31st January 2027, it’s better to be prepared than to find yourself potentially without service.

What is the Copper Wire Switch-off?

The technology used for landline telephones is older than you might think. The copper network used across the UK for telephone communications has been active since 1877, and over the past few decades, this same network of copper cables has also been used to provide internet services. But on 31st January 2027, this network will be switched off for good.

The Need for Change

It was inevitable that a point would eventually arise at which change would be necessary. In the 1870s, copper wiring was the latest technology, but to say that our needs have changed is something of an understatement. Copper has limitations in terms of the amount of information or data it can transmit, and fibre optic cable is the solution. It can carry significantly larger amounts of data at considerably faster speeds over longer distances, and it’s sturdier than copper wire.

When Will the Copper Broadband Be Switched Off? Timeline and Phases

The timeline for the copper broadband switch-off has already started. Details were first announced in November 2017, and the process has been slowly rolling out since then. After a trial period held in Salisbury and Mildenhall, the next stage in the rollout was implemented in September 2023, when the “Stop Sell notice of Wholesale Line Rental” was issued.

This meant that copper broadband and phone packages could no longer be sold when upgrading or switching to a new telecoms provider. From this point on, customers have only been able to order fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP or full-fibre) broadband networks. On 31st January 2027, the ISDN (copper internet) and PSTN (copper landline telephone lines) will be switched off for good.

Impact on Consumers and Businesses

The copper withdrawal will affect approximately 25 million premises across the UK. If you’re already on a fibre package, you won’t be affected. But if you still have an older-style landline connection or an older broadband package, you’ll need to upgrade. 

A survey from National Business Communications indicates that further work is needed in this respect. They’ve been surveying the business community for several years, and while things are heading in the right direction, it remains the case that 62% of businesses surveyed in 2023 were still using landline phones.

Preparation for this transition is important. Check your systems for compatibility issues ahead of time, because this transition won’t only affect some telephone and internet services; some devices, including textphones, amplified phones and intruder alarms, could also be affected. If you’re in any way unsure, contact your service provider.

Will My Phone Line Be Affected by the Copper Switch-off?

If you still have a copper landline telephone on your premises, you will need to switch to an alternative by 31st January 2027, as this service will be switched off at that point. If your broadband already runs over full fibre rather than the copper network, it will be unaffected. 

If you still have FTTC (the older, copper-wired form of internet), the copper lines that run from the cabinet to your home will remain operational until full fibre is provided to your area.

Be aware that the current analogue system is linked to your local telephone exchange, which has its own power supply. At the moment, your landline will work even if your electricity supply isn’t working; you’ll still be able to make calls if your electricity is down.

But the new system will rely on your own electricity supply. This means that if there is a power cut or outage at your home or business premises, you won’t be able to make or receive landline calls using the digital network. Any other devices and systems connected to the digital network will also cease to function during an outage.

An alternative is to have a battery backup for your broadband router, so you will be able to access the internet even if there’s been a power cut. A mobile phone is also a good backup option. There are options available, regardless of your concerns about this transition.

How to Transition From Copper to Fibre

Your service provider may already have been in contact with you about this. Businesses may have complexities. If you have more than one site (or a very large site), how certain are you that all your external connections are accounted for? Contacting your service provider is the best thing to do. They will be able to advise on the range of services available in your area, as these vary from place to place, and on any additional steps you need to take.

Despite the vast numbers involved, the copper switch-off has been phased in a way that minimises the disruption possible. But this doesn’t mean that there will be no disruption at all. Given the importance of connectivity in our lives in the 21st century, you shouldn’t leave this until the last minute. You might find that service providers are getting pretty busy as the deadline approaches!

But there is no need to worry, because help is available. At SwitchPal, we can help to ease this transition for you. We have a guide to fibre broadband, so you can familiarise yourself with the latest ways of doing things. Meanwhile, business users can take advantage of our guide to business broadband offerings.

And, of course, we can utilise our panel of trusted partners to secure the best deal for your broadband needs, whether for business or residential purposes. 31st January 2027 may seem like a long way away, but you don’t want to get tripped up as this country’s communication infrastructure undergoes its biggest change in decades. Get yourself ready early and discover the benefits of moving to the latest connections available.