Andy Burnham has been urged to push back the looming deadline for the landline switch-off. Campaigners hit out at the Government for not responding to a petition signed by 118,000 people against plans to change from the traditional analogue network to digital in January.

Operators argue that the current copper-wire network needs to be replaced because it is increasingly unreliable and becoming difficult to maintain. But critics fear the impact on older and vulnerable people, as analogue phone lines still work during power cuts.

Silver Voices director Dennis Reed said: “It is grossly insulting that our petition and letter calling for the deadline to be extended has not even been answered, showing contempt for the hundreds of thousands of vulnerable customers who depend on their landlines for alarm systems and to make emergency calls.

“The Government has its head in the sand over this whole transition process, trusting the telecoms industry to get the job done with as few personal tragedies as possible. What a way to run a whelk stall.

“It is not too late for Andy Burnham to intervene and extend the switchover timetable until 2030 so that the health and safety needs of vulnerable pensioners, disabled customers, and those in remote communities can be properly addressed.”

It comes as the Government’s Be Ready campaign, which urges the public to stockpile supplies in the event of a crisis, also advises people who have not yet “migrated to a modern digital network” to contact their landline provider.

It says: “If you are a vulnerable customer, for example, if you are a telecare user, your communication provider must provide a free back‑up battery unit.”

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Ofcom have been contacted for comment.

Andy Burnham Urged to Intervene Over Plan to Switch Off UK’s Landline Phones in January

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing growing pressure to intervene over plans to switch off Britain’s traditional landline telephone network in January 2027. Campaigners representing older people, disabled residents and vulnerable households have warned that the changes could put thousands of people at risk if the transition to digital telephone services is not handled properly.

The controversy centres on the planned retirement of the traditional analogue telephone network, which has been used by millions of households across the United Kingdom for generations.

Telecommunications companies intend to replace the ageing copper-wire system with modern digital technology. While the industry argues that the upgrade is necessary, critics fear that vulnerable people could lose access to essential communication services, particularly during power cuts and emergencies.

Campaigners have now called on Burnham to extend the deadline until 2030, arguing that the government must put public safety ahead of the industry’s timetable.

Why Are Traditional Landlines Being Switched Off?

The traditional landline network, officially known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), has been operating for decades.

However, telecommunications companies say the infrastructure is becoming increasingly unreliable, expensive to maintain and difficult to repair because essential equipment and replacement parts are becoming harder to obtain.

The industry therefore plans to move customers towards digital telephone services, commonly known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

Under this arrangement, telephone calls will generally travel through an internet connection rather than the traditional copper-wire network.

Openreach has confirmed that the old network is scheduled to be retired by 31 January 2027.

The change does not mean that every household will lose its landline telephone. Instead, customers will generally continue using home phones through digital technology.

For many households, the transition could be relatively straightforward, involving connecting an existing compatible telephone to a broadband router.

However, the situation is considerably more complicated for people who depend on specialist equipment or have limited access to reliable electricity and internet services.

Campaigners Demand Government Intervention

The proposed switch-off has attracted strong criticism from organisations representing older and vulnerable people.

Silver Voices, an organisation campaigning for the rights of older citizens, has called on the government to extend the timetable until 2030.

Its director, Dennis Reed, has criticised the lack of response to a petition signed by approximately 118,000 people opposing the current timetable.

Campaigners argue that the government must provide stronger assurances before allowing the traditional telephone network to disappear.

They are particularly concerned about pensioners who live alone, disabled people who rely on emergency monitoring equipment and residents in remote communities where mobile telephone coverage can be unreliable.

For these households, a landline is not simply a convenient way to communicate with friends and family. It can be an essential connection to emergency assistance.

Critics believe that the government should not allow the transition to proceed until every vulnerable customer has access to a reliable alternative.

Why Could the Changes Be Dangerous During Power Cuts?

One of the biggest concerns involves electricity supply.

Traditional analogue landline telephones generally receive power through the telephone network itself. This means that basic corded telephones can continue operating during many household power cuts.

Digital telephone services work differently.

They normally depend on electricity to power the broadband router and other equipment inside the home.

If the electricity supply fails, the digital landline may stop working unless an appropriate backup system is available.

This could create serious difficulties during storms, flooding, severe weather or other emergencies.

For an older person living alone, losing the ability to contact emergency services could have significant consequences.

Campaigners argue that the government must ensure that vulnerable households understand these risks and receive appropriate equipment before their traditional telephone services are withdrawn.

The issue is particularly important in rural and remote communities, where mobile phone coverage may not provide a reliable alternative.

Thousands of Older People Could Be Affected

The transition is especially important for pensioners and people with medical conditions who depend on specialist monitoring equipment.

Some households use personal alarms, emergency pendants and telecare devices connected through traditional telephone lines.

These systems allow users to request assistance if they fall, become unwell or experience another emergency.

If the equipment is not compatible with digital telephone technology, it may stop functioning correctly after the transition.

This is why organisations representing older people have repeatedly called for better communication and additional safeguards.

The government and telecommunications companies have acknowledged these concerns.

Under the industry’s Public Switched Telephone Network Charter, providers have committed not to migrate known telecare users until a compatible and functioning alternative has been confirmed.

Providers have also committed to offering appropriate backup arrangements for vulnerable customers.

However, campaigners argue that commitments on paper are not enough. They want evidence that the safeguards are working in practice before the January deadline.

What Does the Government Say?

The government maintains that the digital transition is necessary because the traditional network is reaching the end of its operational life.

It argues that modern digital telephone services will provide a more sustainable communications infrastructure for the future.

According to official guidance, more than two-thirds of UK landlines had already been upgraded to digital services by May 2025.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has also worked with telecommunications companies to establish safeguards for vulnerable customers.

These include:

• Identifying customers who depend on telecare and emergency monitoring equipment.
• Providing suitable replacement equipment where necessary.
• Offering battery backup solutions for customers who need additional protection.
• Ensuring that vulnerable customers receive appropriate assistance during migration.
• Maintaining access to emergency services during power interruptions.

Ofcom has also made clear that telecommunications providers have responsibilities to protect vulnerable consumers throughout the transition.

The regulator secured additional commitments from BT in September 2026 to strengthen protections for telecare users.

Nevertheless, questions remain about whether every household has been adequately identified and whether all customers understand what they need to do before the deadline.

Why Is Andy Burnham Being Asked to Intervene?

Campaigners believe that the government must take a more active role in overseeing the transition.

Although the switch-off is being led by telecommunications companies rather than directly imposed through a new government law, ministers have responsibility for ensuring that consumers are protected.

They argue that Burnham should use his position to push for an extension until 2030, giving older and vulnerable people more time to prepare.

Supporters of an extension say that a three-year delay would allow telecommunications providers to improve their systems, identify vulnerable customers and ensure that alternative services are properly tested.

They also believe that local authorities, healthcare providers and charities should receive greater support to help people who may struggle with the technological changes.

However, telecommunications companies argue that delaying the retirement of the old network indefinitely would create additional costs and leave Britain dependent on ageing infrastructure that is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.

The government therefore faces a difficult balance between modernising the country’s communications system and protecting people who depend on traditional services.

What Should Landline Customers Do?

People who still use traditional landlines should not assume that their telephone service will automatically stop working in January.

Providers are expected to contact customers before their individual services are migrated.

Customers should speak directly to their telephone provider to establish when their service will change and what equipment may be required.

Anyone using a personal alarm, medical pendant, security alarm or other equipment connected to their telephone line should inform their provider before the migration takes place.

People who do not have a mobile phone or have poor mobile coverage at home should also explain their circumstances and ask what emergency backup arrangements are available.

Importantly, customers should not purchase replacement equipment or pay unexpected fees in response to unsolicited messages claiming to offer an urgent landline upgrade.

The transition should be organised through the customer’s legitimate communications provider.

Conclusion

The planned switch-off of Britain’s traditional landline network has become a major public concern, particularly for pensioners, disabled people and vulnerable households.

While telecommunications companies argue that digital technology is necessary to modernise the country’s communications infrastructure, campaigners warn that the transition could create serious problems for people who depend on landlines during emergencies.

The call for Andy Burnham to extend the deadline until 2030 reflects growing concerns about public safety, power cuts, medical alarms and the needs of people living in remote communities.

Ultimately, modernising Britain’s telephone network should not mean leaving vulnerable citizens without a reliable way to contact help.

The government and telecommunications providers must demonstrate that proper safeguards are in place before traditional services disappear.

For millions of people who have relied on their landlines for decades, the most important question is simple: will they still be able to call for help when they need it most?