Households and businesses urged to prepare for phone network switch-off

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has received a request by Openreach NI to present to council in relation to the switch-off of analogue services scheduled for 31 January 2027. Stephen Fletcher, Senior Manager Business Planning, Openreach NI and Kathryn Barry, Marketing & Public Relations Manager, Openreach NI wish to make a presentation to the October council meeting ‘to provide an update on the transition away from analogue services and the potential impact on residents.’

At the last full monthly meeting of council, Ulster Unionist Councillor Robert Foster said that senior citizens were concerned about the switch off and said there were ‘more things that Openreach should and could be doing’. He said residents had been ‘left no choice’ and had been ‘left in limbo’.

He added that council should consult with Age NI and Citizens’ Advice to see ‘what questions we could be asking’.

With fewer than 15 weeks until the 31 January 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.

Openreach is encouraging customers to take a few simple steps:

Check what is connected to your phone line – think beyond your telephone and look for medical devices, alarms, payment terminals, lift phones, CCTV, access systems and other connected equipment.

Ask your communications provider what you need to do to move your phone service to a digital alternative.

Check with equipment suppliers or maintenance companies if you have an alarm, payment system, lift phone or other equipment that uses your phone line.

Test any replacement equipment or services before the old connection is switched off.

Make the change well before 31 January 2027, giving yourself time to resolve any problems.

Customers do not need to wait until the deadline to make the change. Starting early can help identify equipment that needs upgrading or replacing and avoid an unexpected loss of service.

Openreach is continuing to work with communications providers, local authorities and other organisations across Northern Ireland to raise awareness and support customers through the transition.

If you are unsure whether you are impacted by this migration, please contact your communications provider as soon as possible – you can use the details from a recent bill or other trusted communication.