You may have heard in the media about the UK’s digital telephone switchover. By the end of 2025, all traditional analogue landlines will switch off and be replaced with digital phone services.
BT has already stopped selling new analogue landlines and no longer allows customers to transfer traditional phone services between providers. Across the UK, households and businesses are gradually being moved to IP-based digital voice technology.
This marks the end of traditional telephony as we know it.
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is being permanently retired. Over time:
• Telephone exchanges will be shut down
• Analogue phone services will stop working
• Services relying solely on copper cabling will no longer function
All voice services will instead be delivered using digital technology over broadband.
The copper phone network has been in use since 1911 and is now:
• Slow and unreliable
• Expensive and difficult to maintain
• Unable to meet modern communication demands
The future is Full Fibre broadband, which provides:
Faster speeds
• Greater reliability
• A dedicated connection straight to your premises
This next-generation infrastructure supports both internet and digital phone services far more efficiently.
Yes — but it will work differently.
Customers who still want a home phone will need to switch to a digital landline, where calls are carried over the internet.
Important points:
• You do not need high-speed broadband just for phone calls
• A basic broadband connection is still required
• Speeds as low as 1 Mbps are sufficient for high-quality digital voice calls
Digital phone services typically use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology.
With Cytel UK Telecom, you may be able to:
• Keep using your existing phone handset
• Connect it directly to your broadband router
This helps avoid unnecessary equipment costs when switching.
If your landline is used for:
• Home security alarms
• Personal or medical alarm systems
• Monitoring services provided by hospitals or councils
You must contact your alarm provider before switching, to ensure compatibility with digital phone services.
Digital phone services rely on:
• Broadband connectivity
• Electrical power
If there is a power cut or internet outage, phone services will not work.
⚠ Vulnerable users should keep a charged mobile phone available so they can still call 999 in an emergency.
• Landline-only customers will be contacted when it becomes necessary to switch
• Customers with broadband (with or without a landline) should check whether faster speeds or better-value packages are available at their address
Early planning ensures a smooth, stress-free transition.
We’re here to help you understand the upcoming changes and guide you through the transition to digital phone services.
We don’t just sell services — we take the time to understand your needs and recommend the best alternative for your home or business.
Our London-based team, speaking Greek and English, is ready to answer your questions and provide clear, honest advice.
👉 Contact us today to discuss your options and prepare for the PSTN switch-off.
