'Check now, rather than wait': 35,000 Northern Ireland businesses and households urged to check phone lines ahead of digital switchover deadline
Openreach warns that alarms, medical devices and other equipment could be affected as the UK’s old analogue telephone network approaches retirement on January 31, 2027
Households and businesses across Northern Ireland are being urged to check their phone and broadband services, as the UK’s old analogue telephone network approaches its retirement.
With fewer than 15 weeks until the January 31 2027 deadline, around 35,000 customers across Northern Ireland still need to migrate from the old copper network.
For most people, moving to a digital phone service is straightforward. Openreach is encouraging customers to check whether any equipment around their home or business relies on an old analogue line, so there is plenty of time to make any necessary changes before the switch-off.
It’s not just phones that can be connected to these lines. Customers may also have medical devices, alarms, lift emergency phones, payment terminals, CCTV, access-control systems, fax machines, modems or older business phone systems that need to be checked before the switch-off.
The good news is that landline services are not disappearing. Traditional analogue services are being replaced with modern digital alternatives, usually delivered over a broadband connection. There are solutions available for customers who need to update equipment or services, but you must act now to allow time to make any changes needed.
Lauren McGaughey, Openreach NI director, said: “For many people, this change will simply mean moving their phone service from an old analogue connection to a modern digital one. But the important thing is to check what else might be connected to that line.
“You might not think of your medical device, alarm, payment terminal, lift phone or CCTV system as being part of your telephone service, but some equipment can rely on an analogue connection to work. The good news is there is still time to check what you have and make any necessary changes before the deadline.
“That’s why we’re encouraging businesses, organisations and households across Northern Ireland to check now, rather than waiting until the deadline. If you’re unsure whether you’re affected, speak to your communications provider and, where relevant, the company that supplies or maintains your equipment. They can advise you on the options available and any changes that may be needed.”
The switch-off has been underway for several years, with the vast majority of legacy lines across the UK already moved to digital services. The remaining connections are increasingly likely to involve older equipment or services where several different suppliers may need to be involved.