Digital switchover Customer Support
As part of the UK's digital switchover, copper phone lines are being retired to futureproof infrastructure. For TalkTalk customers, there's nothing to worry about. If you have a TalkTalk broadband service with a landline, your service will continue working exactly as it does today.
What is the UK's digital switchover?
The UK's telecommunications industry is retiring the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), sometimes called the analogue phone network.
As a result, many providers are moving customers onto digital phone services that use broadband connections instead of traditional telephone technology.
You may hear this described as:
- PSTN switch-off
- Digital switchover
- Landline switch-off
- Copper switch-off
- Analogue phone line switch-off
- Digital landlines
This has understandably caused some confusion, with many people assuming all landlines will stop working in 2027.
The good news is that this isn't the case for most TalkTalk customers.
Will my TalkTalk landline stop working in 2027?
No, these changes no longer impact TalkTalk customers, so there's nothing you need to do.
TalkTalk customers are not impacted by BT's PSTN closure in the same way customers of some other providers are.
Any customers who would have been affected by industry-wide changes have already been upgraded or moved onto suitable services.
If you currently have a TalkTalk broadband package with a landline service, everything will continue working as normal after the PSTN switch-off.
There's no need to switch provider simply because you've heard about the digital switchover.
Why are TalkTalk customers different?
TalkTalk is the UK's largest provider of a service known as MPF (Metallic Path Facility).
In simple terms, this means TalkTalk provides voice services through its own equipment in the telephone exchange rather than relying on BT's traditional PSTN platform.
For many customers who aren't yet on Full Fibre, the copper pair connecting the home remains in place while TalkTalk continues to provide the phone service through its own network.
The result is that many customers can continue using their existing landline service without needing to move to a digital landline product.
Benefits include:
- No action required for most customers
- No need to switch provider
- Landline services can continue as normal
- No disruption caused by the PSTN switch-off
- Continued support from TalkTalk
The technical explanation (for customers who want to know more)
Many providers delivered landline services using BT's PSTN infrastructure. As that network is retired, those providers need to move customers onto digital voice services.
TalkTalk's MPF network works differently. Rather than depending on BT's PSTN platform, TalkTalk delivers voice services using its own equipment in the local telephone exchange.
That's why many TalkTalk customers can continue receiving landline services without experiencing the same changes being communicated by other providers.
What if I already have Full Fibre?
If you're already using a Full Fibre package with a digital phone service, you're already connected using the newer technology being adopted across the industry.
Your calls are carried over your broadband connection rather than through a traditional analogue phone network.
For you, the PSTN switch-off won't result in any further changes to your service.
Do I need to upgrade to Full Fibre?
Not necessarily.
Full Fibre can bring advantages such as faster speeds, increased reliability and better performance for busy households. However, the UK's digital switchover alone isn't a reason for most TalkTalk customers to change package.
If Full Fibre is available at your address and you'd like a faster connection, it may be worth considering. But if you're happy with your current service, there's no need to upgrade purely because of concerns about the PSTN switch-off.
Telecare devices and personal alarms
If you or somebody in your household uses a telecare device, personal alarm, fall detector or other care-related equipment, it's worth checking how that device connects.
Some older devices were originally designed to work over traditional landline networks and may require additional support, updates or replacement equipment on a full fibre line, depending on the provider.
To learn more, visit our telecare guide.
Still concerned about your landline?
We understand that changes like these can sound worrying, especially when headlines suggest landlines are being switched off altogether.
The reality is much simpler for most TalkTalk customers. If you're already with TalkTalk and your services are working normally today, they'll continue working normally after the PSTN switch-off too.
If you'd like reassurance about your specific service, our team will be happy to help.
Call us on 0345 172 0088
FAQs
What is the PSTN switch-off?
The PSTN switch-off is the retirement of the UK's traditional analogue telephone network as the telecommunications industry moves to newer digital technologies.
Are landlines being switched off in 2027?
Not exactly. The traditional PSTN network is being retired, but that doesn't mean every landline service will stop working. The impact depends on how your provider delivers its phone service and none of the newer Digital landlines are affected.
Will my TalkTalk landline stop working?
No. If you currently have a TalkTalk landline service, your service will continue working as normal.
Do I need a digital landline from TalkTalk?
Not in most cases. Many TalkTalk customers with existing broadband and landline services do not need to take any action because of the PSTN switch-off.
Do I need to switch provider because of the digital switchover?
No. The UK's digital switchover alone is not a reason for TalkTalk customers to change provider.
What is MPF?
MPF stands for Metallic Path Facility. It allows TalkTalk to provide voice services through its own equipment in the telephone exchange rather than using BT's traditional PSTN platform.
Do I need to upgrade to Full Fibre because of the PSTN switch-off?
No. While Full Fibre offers many benefits, most TalkTalk customers do not need to upgrade simply because of the PSTN switch-off.
What if I have a telecare device?
If you use a telecare device, personal alarm or similar equipment, we recommend checking our telecare support guidance to understand whether any action may be required.
Why have I heard that copper phone lines are being switched off?
Many media reports use the terms "copper switch-off" and "PSTN switch-off" interchangeably. For TalkTalk customers, the important thing to know is that most existing landline services are not affected in the same way as customers of some other providers.
What should I do if I'm still unsure?
Get in touch with TalkTalk support. We'll be happy to explain how your service works and whether any action is needed.