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If you’ve seen different dates quoted for the UK’s PSTN switch‑off, you’re not alone.
Between references to 2025, 2027, “stop sell”, “end of life”, and local exchange changes, many UK businesses are understandably confused about what’s actually being switched off – and when.
This article explains the latest confirmed national dates, why some services end earlier than others, and what organisations should be doing now to avoid disruption.
What is the PSTN switch‑off?
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is the UK’s legacy copper‑based phone network. It has supported traditional phone lines, ISDN and many broadband services for decades.
Openreach and UK communication providers are retiring this ageing infrastructure and replacing it with digital, IP‑based alternatives such as VoIP, cloud telephony, SoGEA and full fibre broadband.
This change affects more than voice services. Many alarms, payment terminals, lifts, entry systems and monitoring services also rely on traditional phone lines and must be reviewed.
Stop sell vs end of life: what’s the difference?
Stop sell
A stop sell means providers can no longer supply new services of that type or make changes to existing ones. The service may still function, but no new orders are allowed.
End of life (EOL)
End of life is the point at which the service is fully withdrawn and will stop working altogether.
The latest confirmed national dates
Following the industry reset announced by BT Group and Openreach, these are the current national timelines.
PSTN and ISDN
- Stop sell: 5 September 2023
- End of life: 31 January 2027
The original December 2025 deadline was extended to January 2027 to allow more time to safely migrate complex and vulnerable services. The 2027 date is now considered firm.
ADSL
- Stop sell: 5 September 2023
- End of life: 31 January 2027
Legacy ADSL services that rely on copper phone lines are withdrawn alongside PSTN, although broadband will continue via digital alternatives.
SMPF (Shared Metallic Path Facility)
- Stop sell: 5 September 2023
- End of life: 31 December 2025
SMPF is the key exception. These services are withdrawn earlier due to their dependence on shared copper infrastructure. This date has not moved to 2027.
FTTC
- Stop sell: 5 September 2023 (for PSTN‑based supply)
- End of life: 31 January 2027 (where dependent on PSTN)
Many customers have already migrated to SoGEA or FTTP. Any FTTC services still tied to PSTN timelines must transition before 2027.
Why some locations mention earlier dates
In areas where full fibre coverage reached thresholds earlier, local stop sells were introduced ahead of the national programme.
However, these local changes do not alter the national end‑of‑life deadlines shown above.
What this means for businesses
If your organisation still uses PSTN, ISDN, ADSL, SMPF or PSTN‑based FTTC, migration to a future‑proof alternative is mandatory before the relevant end‑of‑life date.
Leaving migration too late increases the risk of service disruption, rushed installations and higher costs.
Key takeaway
- 31 January 2027 is the confirmed national PSTN switch‑off date
- SMPF services end earlier, in December 2025
- All affected services are already past stop sell
- Migration is unavoidable – planning early reduces risk
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PSTN switch‑off really happening in 2027?
Yes. The current nationally confirmed end‑of‑life date for PSTN and ISDN services is 31 January 2027.
Why do some sources still mention 2025?
The original deadline was December 2025. This was extended to January 2027 to allow more time for complex migrations, particularly for telecare and vulnerable users.
Does stop sell mean my service stops working?
No. Stop sell means no new services or changes can be ordered. Services only stop working at end of life.
Why does SMPF end earlier than PSTN?
SMPF relies on shared copper infrastructure that is being withdrawn sooner, which is why its end‑of‑life date remains 31 December 2025.
What should businesses do now?
Businesses should audit their current services, identify PSTN‑dependent systems and plan migration to IP‑based alternatives well ahead of the deadlines.
