The North Takes the Lead as UK PSTN Switch-Off Approaches

The UK’s move away from the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is gathering pace, with northern cities leading the country’s transition to digital phone services.

Openreach has published figures showing that Liverpool is currently furthest ahead among ten major UK cities, with only around 6% of legacy lines still requiring migration. Manchester follows with just over 7%, while Sheffield, Cardiff and Leeds are also among the areas making significant progress.

At the other end of the table, London has around 13% of its legacy lines still to migrate, while Glasgow has just over 10%. Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh each have around 9% of lines remaining on the older technology.

The figures come as Openreach moves towards the final stages of the UK’s long-running PSTN replacement programme. The traditional copper-based telephone network is scheduled to be retired on 31 January 2027, with customers being moved to digital, internet-based telephone services.

Openreach says more than 90% of legacy lines across the ten major cities and surrounding areas have already been upgraded. Around seven million copper-based services have reportedly been migrated to digital alternatives, although more than 600,000 lines remain across the cities included in the latest figures.

Across the UK as a whole, Openreach estimates that approximately 1.5 million lines are still operating over the old copper network. This includes around 350,000 business premises.

Businesses are a particular focus as the deadline approaches. Traditional telephone infrastructure can still be connected to a wide range of equipment, including payment terminals, alarms, lift phones, security systems and telecare devices. These systems may require upgrading or replacement before the PSTN is withdrawn.

Openreach’s James Lilley said the progress made by northern cities shows they have “a head start”, while emphasising that migration is progressing across the country.

The company has also warned that there is no room for complacency, with providers and customers needing to identify remaining legacy services and arrange migrations before the final deadline.

The switch-off represents a major change to the UK’s telecommunications infrastructure. Rather than carrying calls over the traditional circuit-switched telephone network, digital voice services use modern IP-based networks.

Openreach has been gradually restricting the sale of legacy services through its Stop Sell programme. In areas where full-fibre coverage reaches the required threshold, customers are encouraged to move away from copper-based products and onto newer services.

For most consumers, the transition is expected to involve their existing landline number being delivered through a digital voice service. However, households and organisations using equipment connected to a traditional phone line need to check compatibility before the switch.

Openreach says customers who rely on landlines, have limited mobile coverage, use telecare equipment or operate other devices over their telephone connection should contact their service provider ahead of the January 2027 deadline.

With less than five months remaining, the latest figures suggest that the UK has made substantial progress, but a significant number of legacy connections still need to be migrated before the country’s traditional telephone network finally falls silent.