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 in a major telecommunications change that could affect millions of people across Britain, particularly elderly residents, disabled people and vulnerable households who still depend on traditional landline telephones. Campaigners have warned that the planned shutdown of the UK’s analogue telephone network could create serious difficulties for people who rely on their home phones to contact emergency services, communicate with relatives and operate essential medical alarm systems. With the January 2027 deadline approaching, pressure is mounting on politicians to ensure that nobody is left without a reliable means of communication. Critics believe the government must do more to protect vulnerable customers before the traditional landline network disappears.

The controversy centres on plans to replace Britain’s ageing analogue telephone infrastructure with modern digital technology. The existing Public Switched Telephone Network, commonly known as the PSTN, has been operating for decades. Telecommunications companies argue that maintaining this ageing infrastructure is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive because equipment is outdated, spare parts are harder to obtain and faults are becoming more challenging to repair.

Under the industry-led programme, traditional telephone services will move to digital technology, commonly known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Instead of carrying calls through traditional copper telephone lines, the new system will transmit voice calls using an internet connection.

The industry has set January 31, 2027, as the deadline for completing the transition. Although most households are expected to experience relatively straightforward changes, campaigners fear that the consequences could be much more serious for people who depend on traditional landlines for essential services.

The issue has attracted renewed attention after a petition opposing the timetable reportedly attracted 118,000 signatures. Campaigners have complained that their requests for an extension have not received an adequate government response. They believe the transition should be delayed until 2030 to give vulnerable customers more time to prepare and ensure that all necessary safeguards are in place.

Dennis Reed, director of the campaign organisation Silver Voices, has been particularly critical of the government’s approach. He argues that older people and vulnerable households should not be expected to accept changes that could potentially put their safety at risk.

Reed has called on Andy Burnham to intervene and push for a longer transition period. His argument is that the government should prioritise the needs of pensioners, disabled people and residents of remote communities rather than allowing telecommunications companies to concentrate primarily on meeting an industry deadline.

One of the biggest concerns involves power cuts. Traditional analogue landlines can continue working during certain electricity outages because they receive power through the telephone network itself. Digital landline services, however, generally depend on electricity to operate broadband routers and other equipment inside the home.

If the electricity supply fails, a digital telephone may stop working unless an appropriate backup system is available. This could become particularly dangerous during severe weather, when households may experience power failures at the same time as they need to contact emergency services.

For elderly people living alone, the ability to call for assistance is extremely important. A sudden fall, medical emergency or household accident can become much more dangerous if someone cannot reach family members, carers or emergency responders.

Another major concern involves telecare equipment. Millions of people in Britain use devices such as personal alarm pendants, emergency buttons and fall-detection systems. These devices allow vulnerable individuals to request assistance without having to reach a telephone.

Many older systems were designed to operate through traditional analogue telephone connections. Once the network is switched off, some devices may no longer function correctly unless they are upgraded or replaced.

The government has acknowledged these risks. Its Telecare National Action Plan recognises that more than two million people in the UK use telecare services and that protecting them during the transition must be a priority.

Campaigners argue that the government must ensure that every affected household receives appropriate assistance before its telephone service is changed. Simply sending customers letters explaining the new technology will not be sufficient for people who struggle with digital equipment or have limited access to technical support.

The financial implications are another important issue. Some vulnerable households may need new equipment, replacement alarm systems or additional technical support. Although telecommunications providers have committed to providing certain protections, campaigners want clearer guarantees that customers will not face unexpected costs simply because the industry is changing its infrastructure.

There are also concerns about rural communities. In some remote parts of Britain, mobile telephone signals remain unreliable or unavailable. Residents who have traditionally depended on landlines may therefore have fewer alternatives if their digital telephone equipment stops working during a power failure.

For these households, the transition is not simply about replacing an old telephone with a newer system. It is about ensuring that people retain access to reliable communication regardless of their location or financial circumstances.

The government has defended the transition, arguing that the existing analogue network is increasingly unreliable and cannot be maintained indefinitely. Officials believe digital technology will provide better-quality calls, improved security and more effective protection against unwanted and fraudulent telephone calls.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has also emphasised that telecommunications providers have responsibilities towards vulnerable customers. Providers must ensure that people who rely on telecare equipment are not transferred until their devices have been confirmed as compatible with the new technology.

Backup battery arrangements are another important safeguard. Vulnerable customers who require additional protection should be provided with appropriate backup solutions to maintain access to essential communication services during electricity outages.

However, campaigners want these commitments to be monitored carefully. They argue that government assurances must translate into practical protection for people in their homes, particularly those who have no family members nearby to help them understand the changes.

The controversy also raises questions about the responsibilities of telecommunications companies. Although digital technology offers long-term advantages, providers must recognise that their customers have different circumstances and levels of technical ability.

Older people may not use broadband regularly, while some disabled customers depend on specialised equipment that cannot simply be disconnected and replaced without careful testing. A successful transition must therefore involve individual assessments, clear communication and accessible customer support.

There is also a wider question about how Britain manages technological modernisation. Digital services are becoming increasingly important in everyday life, from banking and healthcare to government administration and communication. While these changes can improve efficiency, they can also exclude people who lack the necessary equipment, skills or reliable internet access.

The landline controversy demonstrates why technological progress must be accompanied by appropriate protections. Modernisation should make everyday life easier, not create additional risks for people who are already vulnerable.

Andy Burnham’s potential involvement has attracted attention because campaigners believe political leaders should ensure that the interests of ordinary households are properly represented. Although the switch-off is being led by the telecommunications industry rather than being a direct government decision, ministers and elected representatives still have an important role in overseeing consumer protection and public safety.

The government should provide clear information about backup batteries, emergency communication arrangements, telecare compatibility and support for households without broadband. It should also ensure that people living in areas with poor mobile coverage are not disadvantaged.

Ultimately, the challenge is to modernise Britain’s telephone network without leaving vulnerable people behind. The benefits of digital technology are significant, but they must not come at the expense of public safety and basic accessibility.

In conclusion, the calls for Andy Burnham to intervene have highlighted serious concerns surrounding the planned January 2027 landline switch-off. The transition to digital telephone services may be necessary because of the ageing analogue network, but the government and telecommunications companies must ensure that every household is adequately protected. Elderly residents, disabled people, telecare users and those living in remote communities deserve particular attention. The proposed extension to 2030 reflects campaigners’ concerns that the current timetable may not provide sufficient reassurance to everyone affected. Whether the deadline is extended or not, no vulnerable person should lose access to emergency communication because of a poorly managed technological transition. Britain’s move towards digital services must be based on safety, fairness and practical support. Modern technology should improve people’s lives, not leave some of the country’s most vulnerable citizens feeling forgotten.