Why phone lines are changing in the UK
Guide reference: HG-0005
Quote this reference if you contact us about this guide.
Approx. 3 min read
The national switch from copper to digital phone lines. Openreach is retiring the traditional copper phone network.
Don't worry. The change from copper to digital phone lines is happening across the whole UK, not only with Simple Telecoms.
Quick answer
Openreach is retiring the traditional copper phone network. Most homes will move to digital before January 2027, and copper lines already have reduced repair support.
More detail
The old copper telephone network is being retired area by area. Digital lines carry calls through a router or adapter box instead of old copper wires alone.
From 31 December 2025, copper lines are treated as legacy. Full fault support and old guarantees have ended. Openreach may disconnect instead of repairing, with no compensation for long copper faults.
From 1 January 2026, providers may receive as little as three months notice to move remaining copper customers. Lines not upgraded may be disconnected with limited notice.
From 1 January 2027, the copper network is fully switched off. Remaining copper services stop working.
This affects every provider, not only Simple Telecoms. If you use a care alarm or other equipment on the line, tell us and your equipment provider early.
In some areas only Hybrid Home2Phone is available from Simple Telecoms. Care alarms are not supported on Hybrid. See How Hybrid (Home2Phone) works
Things to understand
This is a national programme, not a choice made by one company.
31 December 2025: copper lines are legacy with limited repair support.
From 1 January 2026: short notice to migrate may apply to remaining copper lines.
1 January 2027: copper network fully switched off.
Digital lines need a router or adapter box and power at home.
Where full fibre has replaced copper at your exchange, Simple Telecoms does not offer full-fibre phone. Hybrid Home2Phone may suit instead.
Where only a part-digital wired option exists, Simple Telecoms does not offer that wired service. Hybrid Home2Phone or another provider may be needed.
You can usually keep your phone number when you switch to us.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring letters about switch-off dates in your area.
- Forgetting to tell a care alarm provider about the change.
- Assuming the old wall socket or extension sockets will still carry the line on their own.
Things to know
- See Do I need to move before 2027? for deadline questions.
- See What is Digital Voice? for a plain English explanation.
- See My fault is waiting on Openreach if a copper fault is waiting on street work.
- Contact us if you are unsure which product fits your home.
Frequently asked questions
Who decides the switch-off date?
The industry rolls out changes area by area. Your provider will contact you.
Can I keep my number?
In most cases yes when moving to Simple Telecoms. See Keeping your phone number
What about my care alarm?
Tell your alarm company before you switch. Hybrid Home2Phone does not support care alarms. See Using your phone with a care alarm
Why is my copper fault taking so long?
Legacy copper repairs can need permits and hard-to-find parts. See My fault is waiting on Openreach
Related guide: What is Digital Voice?