In a statement BT has confirmed that it expects to have migrated all customers off the PSTN by the end of January 2027, following a two year delay.
This latest development follows an industry-wide pause to non-voluntary All-IP migrations due to the risk of personal alarm failures as a result of going digital.
It is estimated that circa 1.8 million people in the UK are reliant on personal alarms and telecare devices with most using BT’s network. The concern is that network outages and power cuts could put this at-risk group in jeopardy.
BT since rallied the industry to drive All-IP compatibility testing and has invited device manufacturers, distributors, providers and other impacted businesses to compatibility test their tech against All-IP parameters in a bid to reboot PSTN switch off planning.
At the time a BT Group spokesperson told us: "The current pause will have an impact on the timing of the overall programme but we are working to minimise any delays as the switch to digital landlines is a necessity given the increasing fragility of the analogue landline network.”
An Openreach spokesperson stated: “BT has announced its decision to move out the date for switching off the PSTN. In response Openreach has taken the decision to align the withdrawal of our products that work over it – which come under the umbrella term of Wholesale Line Rental (WLR), with the new switch off date of 31st January 2027.
“Openreach will continue to work with its Communications Provider (CP) customers to help them migrate their customers onto new digital services and off the legacy network as safely and smoothy as possible.
“We also recognise there’s more work to do to reach and mobilise the minority of non-engaged CPs to migrate their customers off WLR proactively and safely.”
Read more here: BT rallies industry to drive All-IP compatibility testing