What is changing?
The Register reports that the public switched telephone network, or PSTN, is due to be retired on 31 January 2027. This is the traditional network used to carry landline calls.
That does not mean all home phones will stop working. The change is towards telephone services that carry calls over a broadband connection, often called digital voice. Your phone provider should explain whether your service needs to change and what equipment you will need.
The supplied report gives a national retirement date, not an individual household’s changeover date. Check your own arrangements with your provider rather than waiting until January.
Check more than your telephone
Some home equipment also uses a telephone line. Examples include certain monitored burglar alarms, personal alarms and care devices used to call for help.
Do not assume these will work unchanged with a digital phone service. Ask the equipment supplier or monitoring company to confirm compatibility and whether an upgrade or replacement connection is needed.
The retirement does not, by itself, mean your Wi-Fi or CCTV needs replacing. What matters is whether a particular service or device depends on the old telephone network.
Plan for power cuts
A phone service delivered through a broadband router depends on powered equipment in the home. If the power fails, calls may be unavailable unless suitable backup arrangements are in place.
Tell your provider if you rely on your landline, have poor mobile reception or use a care alarm. Ask how you will contact emergency services during a power cut and what support is available.
What to do now
Contact your phone provider to confirm your service status and any planned changeover. Separately, check connected alarm or care equipment with its supplier before agreeing to changes.