Andy Burnham has been urged to intervene (Image: Getty)

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.

“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.

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

Andy Burnham is facing calls to intervene over plans to switch off Britain’s traditional landline telephone network in January 2027, amid growing concerns that elderly people, disabled residents and vulnerable households could be left without access to emergency services.

Campaigners have urged the Prime Minister to delay the nationwide transition from traditional analogue telephone lines to digital technology until 2030. They argue that the current timetable does not provide sufficient protection for people who rely on their landlines, particularly those living alone in rural communities or depending on telephone-connected medical alarm systems.

The controversy has intensified after a petition opposing the changes attracted approximately 118,000 signatures. Campaigners say the government has failed to provide an adequate response to their concerns and are demanding that ministers reconsider the deadline.

The proposed transition is part of a major modernisation programme affecting millions of households across the United Kingdom. Traditional copper-wire telephone services are being replaced by digital systems that use broadband connections to carry calls.

Although telecommunications companies argue that the upgrade is necessary because the ageing network is becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to maintain, critics warn that the transition could create serious problems during electricity failures and extreme weather.

The central question is whether Britain is adequately prepared to abandon a telephone system that has provided essential communication services for generations.

Campaigners Demand Andy Burnham Delays the January Deadline

The campaign for government intervention has been led by organisations representing older people and vulnerable consumers.

Dennis Reed, director of Silver Voices, has criticised the government’s response to concerns about the digital switchover. He argues that the authorities have failed to give sufficient attention to people who depend on traditional landlines for emergency communication and personal safety.

Campaigners want the deadline extended until 2030, allowing additional time to assess the risks and ensure that suitable alternatives are available.

Their concerns are particularly focused on pensioners, disabled people and residents of remote communities where mobile phone reception can be unreliable.

Traditional analogue landlines have an important advantage: they can often continue operating during a local electricity outage because they receive power through the telephone network itself.

Digital telephone services work differently. They generally depend on a broadband router and an electricity supply within the home.

If the electricity fails and there is no functioning battery backup, the telephone may stop working.

For someone living alone who needs to contact emergency services, this could create a serious safety concern.

What Exactly Is Happening to Britain’s Landlines?

The planned change involves the retirement of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), the traditional analogue system that has connected British households for more than 150 years.

Openreach, which operates the UK’s largest landline network, has confirmed that the traditional telephone network is scheduled to close by 31 January 2027.

Under the new arrangements, home telephones will increasingly use Digital Voice technology, which carries calls through broadband connections rather than traditional copper telephone cables.

The transition is intended to modernise Britain’s communications infrastructure and reduce the cost of maintaining ageing equipment.

For most households, the change should be relatively straightforward. Existing telephone numbers can generally be retained, and many customers will continue using their familiar handsets by connecting them to a broadband router.

However, the new system introduces an important difference: digital landlines require electricity to operate.

This means that households could lose their telephone service during a power cut unless they have an appropriate backup arrangement.

The House of Commons Library has confirmed that the transition is industry-led, rather than a direct government decision to abolish landlines. Telecommunications providers are responsible for moving their customers to replacement services.

Elderly and Vulnerable People Face Particular Concerns

One of the biggest concerns involves elderly people who depend on landlines as their main method of communication.

Many older residents do not own smartphones or have reliable mobile reception inside their homes. Some also use personal alarm systems that allow them to contact emergency services after a fall or medical emergency.

These systems can depend on traditional telephone connections.

If the equipment is not compatible with digital technology, the transition could interrupt an important safety service.

There are also concerns about people living in isolated areas, where mobile telephone signals may disappear during storms or electricity failures.

In October 2026, MPs raised these issues with ministers, warning that vulnerable residents in remote parts of Britain could be left without a reliable way to request assistance during emergencies.

The government has acknowledged the importance of protecting vulnerable customers and says telecommunications providers must offer appropriate backup arrangements.

Under existing protections, providers must assess the needs of vulnerable customers and ensure that people relying on telecare equipment are not transferred without appropriate safeguards.

MPs Warn of Emergency Risks During Power Cuts

The controversy has also attracted attention in Parliament.

MPs representing remote communities have warned that replacing analogue telephone lines could create additional risks during severe weather.

In the Western Isles, for example, residents can experience electricity disruptions, poor mobile reception and difficult travel conditions during storms.

Similar concerns have been raised in parts of the Lake District and the West Country.

One major issue is the limited duration of battery backup equipment.

Although providers must supply backup solutions to eligible vulnerable customers, these systems may not provide indefinite protection during prolonged electricity failures.

MPs have therefore questioned whether the current arrangements are sufficient to protect people living in areas where emergency assistance may take considerable time to arrive.

The government has indicated that telecommunications resilience needs to be considered as part of its wider emergency preparedness programme.

The debate is no longer simply about replacing old telephone cables. It concerns whether essential communications infrastructure will remain available when households need it most.

Businesses and Essential Services Could Also Be Affected

The landline transition is not limited to residential telephone services.

Thousands of businesses and organisations use equipment connected to traditional telephone lines.

This includes:

• Lift emergency telephone systems.

• Fire alarms and security systems.

• Medical monitoring and telecare equipment.

• Card payment terminals.

• Door-entry and access-control systems.

Openreach has warned businesses that equipment relying on analogue connections must be checked before the January 2027 deadline.

Failure to upgrade incompatible systems could result in disruption to essential services.

For businesses, the consequences could include interrupted payments, security problems and difficulties maintaining contact with customers.

Organisations responsible for public buildings and residential care facilities will also need to ensure that their emergency communication arrangements remain operational.

Will Andy Burnham Agree to Delay the Switch-Off Until 2030?

The demand for Burnham to intervene places the government under pressure to balance technological modernisation with public safety.

Campaigners believe extending the deadline until 2030 would give telecommunications companies additional time to identify vulnerable customers, upgrade incompatible equipment and improve emergency backup arrangements.

However, delaying the entire programme would also mean continuing to maintain an ageing network that providers say is increasingly expensive and difficult to repair.

The government must therefore consider whether a nationwide postponement is necessary or whether stronger protections for particular groups would provide a more practical solution.

Ofcom also has an important role in ensuring that telecommunications companies meet their obligations to consumers.

For Burnham, the immediate political challenge is responding to campaigners who believe that the timetable does not adequately reflect the needs of elderly and disabled residents.

A clear explanation of the safeguards, available alternatives and emergency arrangements will be essential to maintaining public confidence.

Conclusion: Britain’s Landline Switch-Off Raises Questions About Public Safety

The planned retirement of Britain’s traditional landline network represents a major change to the country’s communications infrastructure.

Although digital technology offers modern alternatives, the transition also creates challenges for households that depend on reliable telephone access, particularly during electricity failures and severe weather.

Campaigners are demanding that Andy Burnham extend the deadline until 2030, arguing that vulnerable people should not be placed at risk simply because telecommunications companies want to modernise their networks.

The government and telecommunications providers insist that appropriate safeguards are being developed, but concerns remain about backup power, emergency alarms and mobile coverage in isolated communities.

Ultimately, the success of the transition will depend on whether every household can access a reliable replacement service.

Modernising Britain’s telephone network should not mean leaving elderly people, disabled residents or vulnerable households without a dependable way to call for help.

The January 2027 deadline is approaching, and pressure is growing on the government to demonstrate that public safety will remain a priority throughout the transition.