The big UK landline shift continues with millions of homes being slowly switched to digital connections rather than old copper wires which have been supplying the nation for over 100 years. The move will see that ageing technology replaced via something called VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) which uses the internet as a way of keeping in touch.
Providers such as BT say most homes won’t notice a difference with customers simply plugging their digital-ready phones into their Wi-Fi router to keep chatting with friends and family. However, some remain concerned that older users and those without broadband could be left behind – there’s also the worry of what happens if there’s a power cut or broadband outage as this will leave homes without a phone until it’s fixed.
It’s certainly a change that’s got plenty of people talking but whether you like it or not, it could be happening in your street sooner than you might think.
BT is switching off the existing analogue phoneline platform – the PSTN, by the end of December 2025 and everyone in the UK will need to have a digital phone line before then.
To help get users prepared, BT-owned Openreach – which supplies broadband infrastructure across the UK – has confirmed that it’s stopping the sale of copper-based analogue services in exchange areas where a majority of premises have access to its Full Fibre network.
A total of 46 new locations across the UK have been revealed where users will soon be offered fibre broadband services and not access to copper technology.
Openreach says that the shift from copper to fibre will be every bit as significant as the move from analogue to digital and black and white tv to colour.
“By eventually retiring analogue phone lines, we will be creating a simplified network which allows us to meet the enhanced needs of an increasingly digital society,” the company said
“That’s why over the next few years, we’ll be upgrading just under 9 million remaining analogue lines – including the now ageing traditional landline telephone service – to new digital ones.”
Here are all the new locations that will lose access to older copper technology soon.
Rawcliffe • Hanley Swan • Malpas • Aberaeron • Stonehaven • Cupar • Healing • Evesham • Ingrebourne • Shurdington
Berkswell • Kimberley • Platt Bridge • Heswall • Kirby Muxloe • Great Harwood • Livingston Station • Leigh On Sea • Saint Barnabas
Gillingham • Sharrow • Fareham • Hinckley • Chelmsford • Kingsbridge • Trumpington • Maldon • Chingford
Strangford • Stoneyford • Martinstown • Seaforde • Baillies Mills • Broughshane • Kells • Crossgar
Ettrick Valley • Balmaha • Lismore • Roxburgh • Graffham • Brightling • Owslebury • Badminton • Rotherby • Bury
What is replacing your old landline?
Digital Voice is what BT is calling its new home phone service, which runs on a broadband connection rather than the older copper wire network landlines traditionally run on. BT’s Digital Voice services are designed to act – and cost – exactly the same as all existing landline packages.
Digital Voice has modern features not found on old landline services, such as Multi Call so more than one person can make a call from home at once, three way calling for conference calls, and call diversion to any other phone number including mobile phones. BT also claims the call quality is much improved with Digital Voice, though you’ll need a compatible Digital Home phone to take advantage.
