BT landline switch off: UK households urged to check postcodes ahead of traditional network shutdown

One simple check could save your landline

The UK's ageing copper landline network is gradually being phased out as customers are moved over to Digital Voice, a new service that uses broadband instead of traditional phone lines to make and receive calls.

Households that have not yet made the switch are being urged to respond when their provider gets in touch, as failing to do so could eventually affect their existing landline service.

While the move away from copper lines may seem daunting, it is expected to bring a number of improvements.

These include faster broadband speeds, more reliable connections and a modern phone service better suited to today's digital world.

Broadcaster Clare Balding, who is fronting the Don't Put Off the Switch campaign, has encouraged households to act as soon as they hear from their provider to ensure their phone service continues without disruption.

Meanwhile, Openreach, which operates the UK's largest broadband network, has announced that another 112 telephone exchanges have entered "stop sell" status. 

This means broadband providers that use the Openreach network, including BT, Sky, Vodafone, Plusnet and others, can no longer sell or move customers onto older copper-based broadband and phone services in those areas.

If you're unsure whether your home is affected, you can use the Openreach postcode checker to see what services are available in your area and whether you'll need to make the switch.