Renewing contract with landline

[#1]

Hello. I'm coming up to contract renewal and been offered an 18 month contract which includes keeping my landline as is.

If I renew for 18 months will my landline work all this time or will it switch off at some point? Thanks.

[#2]

@BigDaz As the date for total withdrawal of the PSTN service could be any time from December this year to sometime in 2027, no-one can give you a confirmed answer.

From what I have seen, I suspect it won't be withdrawn on the earlier date, but that is only my personal opinion, and until there is an official announcement, everyone is just guessing.

However, if you want a 'home phone' service, I would suggest you start looking in to a VoIP option now - before everyone suddenly finds they have a shortish time to make alternative arrangements.

[#3]

@BigDaz 

I disagree with @jab1  - I believe the closure of PSTN will happen in December except in exceptional circumstances. OpenReach have stated (on their website) they are terminating all Wholesale line rentals on 31st December, 2025.

As PN are withdrawing from providing phone services I see no reason to believe they'll apply for extensions - even they did, it'll be on a individual basis. If you allow for 90 days notice of the PN phone service I expect end of July for notifications (at the latest) to clear the decks by the end of November - which keeps them well clear of the Xmas season.

I do agree that, even if you renew as is, you should start looking at VOIP providers so you're prepared for when the time comes. Note you do not "port" your number out until after you've moved onto an internet only account. You then have 30 days to do so.

Brian

[#4]

@bmc You are entitled to your opinion - as I am - but from from what I read/hear from various other sources than BT/OR, the industry and other associated entities are not quite ready for the December 'big bang'.

As I said, there is a load of speculation around.

[#5]

@BigDaz 

There’s plenty of conjecture around, but if you sign up for a contract that is truncated due to the service being withdrawn by their supplier they won’t just pull the plug on the phone part of the contract.

You must be given notice of termination and the option to leave without termination charges. Additionally, one might anticipate that you will be given the option to give up the landline or transfer the service to BT/EE including their Digital Phone service.

[#6]

While there is a lot of speculation over this and little information the FACT is until or unless OpenReach issue new guidance Wholesale Line Rentals are being terminated on the 31st December, 2025.

OR will consider (as per their website) individual exemptions to this on a case by case basis.

Any individual who still has a phone line needs to be prepared to move to VOIP this year (unless things change).

Brian

[#7]

---

@bmc wrote:

While there is a lot of speculation over this and little information the FACT is until or unless OpenReach issue new guidance Wholesale Line Rentals are being terminated on the 31st December, 2025.

---

I totally agree, except in special circumstances, all PSTN phone lines are going to be terminated, probably this year. My concern is that some posts suggest that this is a cause for panic.

As stated previously, it will not be a case of waking up one morning to find the phone no longer works. Notice will be given and the options will certainly be discussed on this forum, if not communicated directly in the termination of phone service notification. The notice period will be long enough to make alternative arrangements. Even if it's missed, there's still 30 days to recover the number.

Having said that, I agree that as contracts come to the end of their lock in period one should think carefully about the future and consider whether this is a suitable time to move on and make other arrangements. Simply ignoring the fact that the days of PSTN are coming to an end and hoping that this issue will just go away is not going to work!

[#8]

---

@bmc wrote:

... the FACT is until or unless OpenReach issue new guidance Wholesale Line Rentals are being terminated on the 31st December, 2025.

OR will consider (as per their website) individual exemptions to this on a case by case basis.

---

Just to back up what  @bmc  said, here is the Openreach statement - GEN066/24 Notification of WLR contract termination 

.

[#9]

@BigDaz  what broadband do you currently have ?  ADSL or FTTC ?

If you have ADSL with landline phone, when Plusnet remove the phone number, then your broadband will also cease.

If you have FTTC, when the time comes to remove your phone number, Plusnet's default solution is that they will transfer your broadband and phone to BT/EE without you having to pay the Plusnet exit charges, but will lose your Plusnet email and other perks.

If you are on FTTC, rather than renew "as is", surely it makes more sense to instead 'upgrade' to "Fibre" (SOGEA), because your monthly charges should be lower that what you're paying now, and that you can take your time migrating your phone number to VoIP, rather than wait until you're faced with a deadline (at a time when there will be a rush in the UK of everyone else trying to sign up for VoIP contracts, and buying VoIP ATA adaptors, etc).

.

[#10]

Thanks everyone.

I have FTTC at the moment.