What does 'won't support' landline from January 2027 actually mean?

[#1]

I currently keep my landline for incoming calls. Many contacts like doctor, hospital, very now have to choose mold friends have it on record. I now have to choose my ongoing contract knowing that landlines won't be supported from Jan 27. But what does this mean? Does it mean won't actually work? Will work but no help if it goes wrong? Can we have a diversion messsge on it for a year?

[#2]

@AT At the moment, the plan, of BT/Openreach is to totally shut down the 'traditional' public telephone network, which effectively means your phone will no longer work over that system. You can retain your old number, but it will have to be over a 'digital' connection, i.e. one that goes via your router.

There are numerous topics on this board offering advice/guidance. 

[#3]

@AT 

Traditional analogue telephones are being withdrawn by BT Openreach.

If you want to continue using a 'landline' home phone, then you'll need to migrate your phone NUMBER to a digital telephone service (known as VoIP or "Digital Voice"), where your phone calls are delivered via your internet connection.

You should be able to use your existing handset, by using a converter known as an "ATA" - this adapter connects to your existing handset and also to a LAN port on your broadband router.

Note that January  2027 is the final drop dead date when ALL UK phone lines will stop working,

realistically you will need to convert your phone number probably January to March 2026.

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[#4]

@AT 

OpenReach are shutting down the PSTN by January 2027 at the latest, The general shutdown may happen earlier with exemptions given for lines that support care / house alarms or can receive no other service.

Add to the that PlusNet are withdrawing from providing phone services.

Assuming you are on a FTTC connection you will at some point in the near future be moved to an OR product called SOGEA - this is basically the FTTC without a phone service capability.

When this happens you will need to use Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) for a phone service. PN do not provide this.

Brian

[#5]

It means that the voice service across a landline will no longer work.  There alternatives which are commonly called Digital Voice or VoIP.  These can use the same physical phones, plugged into an adapter (which could be part of an ISP supplied hub).  Some ISPs offer these services, though Plusnet does not.  If you want that kind of service then you'll either need to move your phone number to a provider who offers a VoIP service, or move everything to an ISP that offers both.  Plusnet would steer you toward EE.

Depending on your usage, moving to VoIP could save you a fair bit of money, especially if your outgoing calls are infrequent.  For example, I moved my parents to A&A quite a while ago, and they are only paying £2-£3 a month for all their phone needs.

Edit: Sorry, I got distracted whilst typing that and have been beaten to reply by loads of others!

[#6]

@AT 

What type of broadband do you currently have ?

Is it -

• FTTC - copper line to nearby roadside cabinet
• ADSL - copper line directly to a telephone exchange

Is "Full Fibre" available to you ?

.

[#7]

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@AT wrote:

…. I now have to choose my ongoing contract knowing that landlines won't be supported from Jan 27. 

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Be very careful. If you want to keep your current broadband and phone service and stay with Plusnet then you only have one choice. That is, to renew your current contract, keeping it exactly the same. Make any changes and your phone service will be immediately disconnected.

To renew as is I suggest that you ring the Customer Options Team on 0800 013 2632 and make this very clear.

If you use a Plusnet email address then be aware that if you move before your service has fully migrated to Greenby to an ISP that offers a combined service, your email service will be discontinued and assuming that you use the IMAP protocol, your past emails deleted. Once the transfer is complete you can keep the email service for £15p.a. 
On the other hand, if you go for a third party VoIP service then be aware that you will be without the phone service for several days whilst it’s ported and you must get the timing right to avoid risking losing the number. You also need to arrange the VoIP service yourself.

Your best option depends on your personal circumstances, so do please ask if you need more advice.

[#8]

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@AT wrote:

Can we have a diversion message on it for a year?

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That will be dependant on what range of features your digital phone service provider offers.

Like anything else in life, if you opt for a 'free' service then maybe not,

whereas the more you are willing to pay for a package, then you'll likely get more bells and whistles.

.

[#9]

@AT 

If you only use your phone for incoming messages have a look at A&A as an independant provider - they are pretty good value if few outgoing calls are made. They have a very good FAQ section if I recall.There are other providers out there.

https://www.aa.net.uk/voice-and-mobile/voip-information/

If you wish to keep your internet and phone under one provider you'll need to move ISP. PN will transfer you to EE free of charge if done through them. Depending on your contract you could move to another ISP like Zen Internet.

Staying with one provider for both is usually the easiest way to make the move with limited downtime on the phone.

Brian

[#10]

It was the use of the word 'support' that bothered me. It would be so much clearer if they say it won't work or not available. We will quietly phase out contacts using our landline and cross them over to mobiles.

I do undersand the Openreach move as I used to work for BT. 

Thanks to all who replied, all in all it has helped me make a decision. EE signal in our small village is abominable but Vodafone is good. New fibre coming. So it will now be about comptetitive pricing. Pnet Retention here I come.

[#11 · Accepted solution]

@AT 

You can renew "as is" by phoning PN as you're aware change is coming - probably before the end of your contract.

If Full Fibre arrives that's the end of your phone service when you install.

When the time comes  I would consider porting your number to A&A because (I believe) they offer the option of diverting calls to voicemail and e-mailing you a copy. You would not need to spend any money on sorting out your phone to work with them. Given how cheap they are (£15 to port and £1.44pm) you could use this as a safety net for a year or so until you're happy everyone is using your mobile. Just don't do anything until after your phone service ends.

Brian

[#12]

@AT  Just to clarify what has been said about Plusnet suggesting you move to EE for your broadband and digital phone service this is in no way related to the EE mobile network so having a poor EE signal is irrelevant. 

BT or EE broadband is basically the same Openreach service that Plusnet use but Plusnet do not offer a voice service.

[#13]

Thanks Brian, that is probably exactly what I'll do.

[#14]

@AT

In your situation (Full Fibre "coming" ) I would renew "as is" once more with Plusnet if you get the chance.

In the meanwhile get a VoIP system set up with another landline number (say with Andrews & Arnold or someone else), finally at the point you get the full fibre install done, port the phone number the day after.