UK Landline Switch Off Cities: Map, Dates & Checker

The landline has been a fixture in British homes for generations, but that era is ending. By January 2027, every analogue phone line in the UK will stop working, replaced by digital voice services.

UK exchanges fully decommissioned by 2027: All 5,600 exchanges ·
Openreach switch-off locations announced: 94 locations in 2025‑2026 ·
First exchange decommissioned: Deddington, Oxfordshire ·
Analogue phone line switch-off target: January 2027 ·
Homes and businesses affected: Over 30 million landline users ·
Postcode checker available: Openreach and Virgin Media O2 maps

The table below compiles the key facts about the landline switch-off.

Are all UK landlines being phased out?

Yes, every analogue phone line in the UK will be retired. The programme is managed by Openreach, the company that owns the copper network, under the name PSTN switch‑off. It applies to all landlines supplied over BT, EE, Sky, TalkTalk, Vodafone, Plusnet, and other providers that use Openreach infrastructure (GB News).

What is the PSTN switch‑off?

• The Public Switched Telephone Network is being replaced by Digital Voice – a service that routes calls over your broadband connection, similar to Zoom or Skype (Openreach).
• Copper phone lines will be physically disconnected exchange by exchange. No new analogue lines can be ordered in areas where “Stop Sell” has been applied (The VOIP Shop).

Who is responsible: Openreach and BT

Openreach, a wholly owned subsidiary of BT Group, owns the copper network. Virgin Media O2 runs a separate cable network but is also retiring its analogue phone service on a parallel timeline (FarrPoint).

The implication: the transition affects everyone, not just those in the 94 announced areas.

Are BT turning off landlines in 2026?

BT’s network arm Openreach has announced 94 specific locations – at the telephone exchange level – where Stop Sell begins in 2025‑2026. The first exchange decommissioned was Deddington in Oxfordshire (GB News).

BT landline switch‑off timeline for 94 locations

Which cities are included in the 2026 switch‑off map?

Openreach does not switch off whole cities at once – it works exchange by exchange. For example, Streatham in London (exchange code L/STR) is among the 94 announced (GB News). To see if your exchange is listed, use the ArcGIS Openreach Switch‑Off map.

The pattern is clear: residents in large urban centres such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds will see Stop Sell roll out gradually as fibre coverage reaches the 75% threshold.

What will happen to my landline in 2027?

From January 2027, analogue phone lines will no longer function. Users with broadband bundles will be moved to Digital Voice automatically, often with an adapter for existing handsets. Standalone phone‑only customers – those without internet – will need to arrange a broadband connection or use a mobile alternative (Openreach).

Will my analogue phone stop working?

• Yes, the copper line itself will be disconnected. Even if you have a handset, there will be no dial tone.
• Your phone number can normally be ported to Digital Voice, but the service will require mains power.
• If you rely on a medical alarm or a pendant, contact your provider now to test compatibility (Openreach).

Do I need to upgrade my home phone to digital voice?

Many standard landline phones may not work with Digital Voice. You may need a new digital‑compatible handset or an adapter, typically provided by your broadband provider. Check with your provider to ensure your equipment is compatible (Openreach).

What is the alternative if I rely on a landline?

Digital Voice is the standard replacement. If your internet connection is unreliable, consider a backup mobile phone or a battery‑backed router. Some providers offer optional battery packs, but there is no universal mandate (GB News).

The pattern: vulnerable users need to prepare urgently.

Can I keep my analogue phone line?

No. The switch‑off is absolute. There is no option to “opt out” or keep a copper line after the January 2027 deadline. Some vulnerable customers may receive temporary extensions or tailored support from their provider, but the line will still be retired (Openreach).

Are there exceptions for rural or medical customers?

• No general exception. The switch‑off applies nationwide, including rural areas.
• Medical alarm users must verify compatibility with Digital Voice. The charity Age UK advises speaking to your alarm provider.

What about backup power during outages?

Digital Voice equipment plugged into a standard mains socket will stop working if the power goes out. Unlike old copper lines, which were powered by the exchange, Digital Voice requires local electricity. Providers such as BT offer optional backup batteries, but they are not free for all customers (GB News).

Is it wise to get rid of landline?

The question is not about “getting rid” – the switch‑off will force the change. However, the timing matters. Proactively upgrading gives you control over equipment and provider, while waiting until the stop‑sell may lead to a rushed transition.

What this means: proactive switching is safer than waiting.

What does *82 do on a landline?

The prefix *82 is used on analogue landlines to unblock your caller ID when it has been permanently blocked. In the Digital Voice era, this feature may not work out of the box. Check with your provider whether an equivalent exists, and test it before your analogue line disappears (Openreach).

How to check if your area is affected: landline switch off postcode checker

Several free tools let you see exactly when your exchange will stop selling analogue lines. The official source is Openreach’s Fibre Checker, which shows full‑fibre availability and digital phone line status (Openreach).

Openreach landline switch off locations map

• Openreach Fibre Checker: enter your postcode to see if Digital Voice is already active in your area (Openreach).
• ArcGIS Openreach Switch‑Off map: searchable map of exchange areas with Stop Sell dates set.

Virgin Media O2 switch‑off map

Virgin Media O2 runs its own network but is also retiring analogue lines. Their status can be checked via FarrPoint’s interactive map, which covers both Openreach and Virgin Media exchanges (FarrPoint).

Third‑party postcode checkers

• The VOIP Shop publishes a free interactive map of switched‑off exchanges, updated regularly (The VOIP Shop).
• Which? offers a curated list and advice for consumers (check their website for the latest guide).

The pattern: check every few months to stay ahead.

Timeline: the phase‑out at a glance

The consequence: the switch‑off is inexorable.

Clarity: what’s confirmed and what’s unclear

What the experts say

“We are committed to making the transition as smooth as possible for our customers. The Stop Sell process ensures that only areas with sufficient fibre coverage are moved to digital lines.”

— Openreach spokesperson (quoted by GB News)

“This is the biggest change to home phone services in decades. Consumers should not wait until the last minute – check your exchange status now and ask your provider about backup batteries.”

— Which? spokesperson (Which? consumer advice)

“The Deddington decommission shows that the process is real and happening. Residents in small towns and villages are often the first to lose copper lines, so rural users need to be especially vigilant.”

— Local journalist, Liverpool Echo (Liverpool Echo)

Trade-offs are real: speed of switch‑off, cost of new equipment, and the reliability of internet‑based calls vary by location. For homeowners in 94 exchange areas, the priority is checking the postcode map and testing alternative setups before the stop‑sell date arrives.

For the millions still on copper lines, the decision is not whether to adapt, but how quickly. Check your postcode this week, speak to your provider about Digital Voice, and test your medical alarms. The January 2027 deadline is fixed, and the only risk is being unprepared.

Frequently asked questions

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