Digital phone switchover

The UK’s telephone network is changing. Essential work is underway across the telecommunications industry to switch off the old analogue network, known as the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), and for all landline services to be offered digitally.

Phone lines will be upgraded to broadband lines and voice services will be provided over the top using Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) – this might also be called Cloud Voice, IP Voice, or Digital Voice.

Landlines aren't the only things that rely on the phone network. It also supports everything from healthcare devices, burglar alarms, and personal alarms, to home monitoring systems ATMs, card machines, traffic lights, motorway signs and railway signals. The providers of these services will need to offer them over the broadband network or other technologies such as cellular, WAN or even satellite.

To find out more, visit the Digital Phone Switchover homepage.

For more information please contact:

Frederik van Randwyck

Head - Telecoms Modernisation Programme