04 February 2025

BT has urged providers of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) to move off the outdated copper network as it is becoming increasingly unstable.

BT’s own data shows that 60% of CNI customers in the UK currently have no plan to start migrating off the legacy analogue network. 

The call is more focused on the looming switch-off of the legacy Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTNa) in favour of IP-based digital phone like VoIP services, rather than the much longer-winded withdrawal of physical copper lines themselves that will take many years to complete.

The big switch-off was last year delayed to 31 January 2027 to give internet service, phone providers, telecare operators and consumers more time to adapt. The main focus of this delay was the 1.8 million people who use vital home telecare systems in the UK, which aren’t always compatible with the replacement VoIP/IP-based digital phone services. For everybody else, the deadline is still technically December 2025.

BT is now pushing for key network and CNI providers to leave the PSTN before the deadline, not least due to its lack of support. This will help to stop the switch-off disrupting critical public systems, such as water monitoring sensors, phone lines for doctors and pharmacies, fire and burglar alarms, lift alarms, emergency phone lines by roads, help points at train stations, and some older card payment machines. 

“With the ageing copper landline network becoming increasingly fragile, it’s simply too risky to run the UK’s essential public services on outdated networks. BT is committed to moving these services onto future-proofed modern connectivity well ahead of the closure of the analogue copper network – but we can’t do it alone,” said Bas Burger, CEO of Business at BT. “We’re urging all Critical National Infrastructure providers to act now to help protect their services and reap the long-term benefits of going digital. Waiting until the analogue switch-off is too late. We’re working with customers to review their technology estate, test their critical devices and switch to more reliable connectivity by the end of 2025.” n