Openreach announces nationwide landline switch-off by early 2027

Openreach Plans 100-Day Nationwide Landline Switch-Off

In just 100 days, every traditional landline phone in Britain will be turned off. Openreach announced that the nationwide copper network will be switched off by early 2027, giving households only a short notice period and no extensions. The move forces millions of users to rely on mobile or broadband-based calling services, even if they have never upgraded before. Businesses that still depend on legacy phone lines must either switch to VoIP or face complete service loss once the cut-over begins. Openreach says the deadline is firm and that the digital transition will free up the copper for faster broadband upgrades. Consumers who miss the deadline risk losing emergency call capability on a landline, prompting many to rush to install new equipment. The 100-day countdown starts in late October 2026, aligning with the telecom regulator's push to retire copper by 2027.