Iconic phone network used by 2.8million Brits is being killed off FOREVER in just weeks

A LONG-STANDING telephone service is set to be switched off forever.

The system, which has been used for decades, is set to be taken away in a matter of months.

BT (British Telecom) and Openreach’s plans to end the Public Switched Telephone Network are predicted to be completed by the end of January 2027.

The traditional phone network’s retirement will mean millions of customers will have to move over to digital methods.

The traditional infrastructure, powered by copper wires, is still used to power landline phones and older broadband services for many Brits.

However, the system is becoming increasingly unreliable and expensive to maintain.

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This was done in order to allow service users adapt to the change as well as to allow providers to ensure all customers are successfully moved over to new technology.

Concerns have been raised over how the migration will impact those who are reliant on the older telecommunications methods.

Elderly and vulnerable PSTN users, who don’t have the right phone equipment or technology in their homes to support broadband and newer systems, could be left behind during the switch.

However, BT says that 99 per cent of households are thought to be compatible and 3million users have already been moved over to digital.

The company explained: “Supporting customers with additional needs remains BT’s top priority and will continue to be a core focus throughout 2026.

“Customers will be contacted at least four weeks before the switch to Digital Voice to ensure they are ready to make the move.

“BT is continuing its nationwide customer engagement campaign to support households and businesses to move away from the copper network, particularly vulnerable customers – with enhanced protection, including free engineer visits and backup power where needed.”

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Tuesday 15 September

Genoa