35,000 Northern Ireland customers urged to act before January phone network switch-off

Lauren McGaughey, Openreach NI Director (right), with an Openreach engineer

Thursday 15 October 2026

Around 35,000 households and businesses across Northern Ireland still need to move away from the old analogue telephone network before a major switch-off deadline on 31 January 2027, with warnings that medical devices, security alarms and other essential equipment could be affected.

With fewer than 15 weeks remaining, Openreach is urging customers to check not only their landline telephones but also any equipment connected to traditional phone lines, allowing time for necessary upgrades and testing.

The change could have particular consequences for older residents who rely on emergency alarm systems, businesses using payment terminals and organisations operating equipment such as lift emergency phones.

Landlines are not disappearing

The retirement of the UK's traditional analogue telephone network is part of a nationwide transition to digital phone services, which are usually delivered through a broadband connection.

Customers will still be able to have landline telephone services, but the technology carrying their calls is changing.

For many households, the move will be relatively straightforward. However, equipment designed to operate through older analogue connections may need to be checked, upgraded or replaced to continue working reliably.

Openreach says the vast majority of legacy lines across the UK have already been migrated, with the remaining connections increasingly likely to involve older equipment or services requiring coordination between different suppliers.

Equipment that could be affected

The changes extend well beyond traditional home telephones, potentially affecting devices and systems that people may not realise depend on an analogue connection.

Openreach has identified several types of equipment that customers should check:

• Medical devices and personal emergency alarm systems connected to telephone lines.

• Intruder alarms and other security systems.

• Lift emergency telephones.

• Card payment terminals and older payment systems.

• CCTV and access-control systems.

• Fax machines and modems.

• Older business telephone systems.

Not every device in these categories will necessarily be affected. The important question is whether it depends on an analogue telephone connection and whether it will continue to operate after the migration.

Households, businesses and organisations are being encouraged to contact their communications provider and, where appropriate, the company responsible for supplying or maintaining their equipment.

Openreach urges customers not to delay

Pictured is Lauren McGaughey, Director, Openreach

Lauren McGaughey, Openreach NI Director, said the transition would be straightforward for many customers but warned against overlooking other equipment connected to telephone lines.

“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.”

Five steps customers should take now

Openreach is encouraging anyone who may still be using the old network to take the following precautions ahead of the January deadline:

1. Check everything connected to your telephone line, including alarms, medical devices, payment terminals and other equipment.

2. Contact your telephone or broadband provider to establish whether your service needs to move to a digital alternative and what arrangements are required.

3. Speak to equipment suppliers or maintenance companies if you have devices that may rely on an analogue connection.

4. Test replacement equipment and services before the existing connection is switched off to ensure everything works as intended.

5. Complete any necessary changes well before Sunday 31 January 2027, allowing time to identify and resolve problems.

Customers who are unsure whether they are affected should contact their communications provider using the details on a recent bill or another trusted communication.

Why the deadline matters

Although the transition has been underway for several years, the approaching deadline means customers with older or more complicated systems have a limited period to arrange any necessary changes.

For businesses, this could involve checking whether payment terminals, security systems or telephone equipment will continue operating.

For households, particular attention should be given to devices used for personal safety, including medical alarms and emergency assistance systems.

Where several companies are responsible for different parts of a system, customers may need additional time to establish what changes are required and arrange testing.

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

Where to get further information

Customers can obtain advice about their individual telephone service by contacting their communications provider directly. Those using specialist equipment should also consult the relevant supplier or maintenance company.

Further information about the transition to digital phone services is available from Openreach here. ⁠

With around 35,000 Northern Ireland customers still needing to migrate, the immediate priority is to identify any equipment that depends on the old network and ensure suitable arrangements are in place before the deadline. For anyone relying on an alarm, emergency device or essential business system, checking now could help prevent an unexpected loss of service.