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Highlights

Any services relying on the old copper network are due to be switched-off in January 2027. In this blog, we unpack the tech that could be affected, and what London businesses, landlords and operators should check before the deadline.

The UK is moving away from the old copper network.

You may hear this being called the PSTN switch-off, the landline switch-off or the copper switch-off. Simply put, any service that relies on copper needs to be identified and moved to a newer alternative before 31 January 2027.

For businesses, landlords and building operators, the challenge is knowing what still runs on the old network, as it's not always obvious. If something is missed, it can disrupt critical building systems, customer phone lines and payment services.

Below, we look at the services that could be affected, what PSTN, ISDN, ADSL and FTTC mean, and how to plan the work before the deadline.

What systems could still rely on copper?

For businesses, copper-based services could still support things like main or backup internet connections, phone lines, alarms and monitoring systems.

For landlords and operators, critical systems include lifts, internet lines, intercoms, sensors, reception phones, security and monitoring, or access systems. Make sure to also ask third-party suppliers about the systems they manage.

CCTV is worth checking too. The cameras themselves may not use copper, but the connection used to view footage remotely or send alerts may still rely on an older broadband service.

What do PSTN, ISDN, ADSL and FTTC mean?

You may see these terms on bills, supplier emails or service records. Here’s what they mean.

Term What it is Typical uses Is it being switched off?
PSTN The old phone network used for landlines. Landline phones, alarm connections and some lift emergency phones. Yes. PSTN is due to be switched off by 31 January 2027.
ISDN An older business phone service. Landline phones, call handling and customer service lines. Yes. ISDN is due to be switched off by 31 January 2027.
ADSL An older broadband service that runs over copper phone lines. Main or backup internet connections, payment systems, booking tools and security systems. Yes. ADSL is due to be switched off by 31 January 2027.
FTTC ‘Fibre to the Cabinet’ means fibre runs to the street cabinet, then copper carries the broadband connection into your building. Main or backup internet connections, plus services that depend on that connection, such as Wi-Fi, payment systems and security systems. It's actively being phased out. Now is the time to switch to a newer alternative like a leased line.​

Will my FTTC broadband stop working?

While FTTC (Fibre-to-the-Cabinet) broadband isn't part of the January 2027 switch-off, it is actively being phased out because the final stretch of the connection still relies on copper.

If your building or business uses FTTC, a transition to a newer alternative is inevitable. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to check your contract end date now and start exploring your options.

For many businesses, upgrading to full fibre or a leased line makes much more sense than sticking with standard broadband. Also known as a Dedicated Line, a leased line provides an exclusive fibre connection straight to your building, offering stronger service commitments and far greater reliability.

This blog helps weigh up business internet options and explains the main differences between FTTC, FTTP and Leased Lines.

Why London buildings are trickier

Commercial spaces in London can be a bit of a tangle. The problem is not always the replacement itself, but working out which systems still rely on the copper network.

A tenant may look after their own phone lines and internet. The landlord or a managing agent may look after the tech in shared areas. Third-party providers may also be responsible for services like security, IT or connectivity, and they may only know the details of the service they manage.

Copper connections aren’t always in one obvious place either. They may be found in comms rooms, cupboards, alarm panels or old sockets. Sometimes the only clue is a line on a bill or a supplier record. That is why it is crucial to map the whole building, not just the phone system.

Who is responsible for checking systems and booking work?

The safest option is to check your systems yourself or ask an engineer to carry out an audit, as older lines can be hard to spot.

Some providers will contact you to let you know whether a service they supply needs to change, but they may not know what that service is connected to, especially in a shared or managed building.

If you are unsure if any of your systems rely on copper, do not wait to be contacted. Check your bills for signs of copper-based services, contact all relevant service providers, and do a through walkthrough of your premises.

We've put together a step-by-step guide of how to check for copper connections.

When should you start preparing?

We would suggest starting as soon as possible. If you start now, you will have time to review your costs, whether you are happy with your current service, and whether it still fits your needs.

Even if you stay with your current provider, you may still need time for engineering work and testing. Quotes, surveys and landlord approvals can also take time.

The sooner you check your systems and book any changes, the less likely the switch-off is to disrupt your operations.

Here’s a timeline

To make planning easier, we have set out a rough timeline below.

Timing What to do Why?
Now Check with suppliers if any systems rely on a copper connection. So there is no disruption once the old service is switched off.
Now Review what you are paying for, whether it still fits your needs, and what alternatives are available. It is a good time to compare costs, providers and service quality.
Next 1-2 months Agree your plan and book any work. Providers are likely to get busier as the deadline gets closer.
Autumn 2026 Complete the move and test everything. So key services are moved and tested before they can cause disruption.

Not sure where to start?

One of our engineers can visit your site for free and flag anything that may still rely on copper.

Book your free audit.