UK Landline Switch Off Cities: Updated List, Map & Timeline
The UK landline switch off is not happening city by city. Instead, Openreach is retiring the old PSTN network nationwide, with "Stop Sell" rules applied in specific exchange areas across towns and cities before the final deadline of
31 January 2027.
After helping more than 1,000 UK businesses move from older phone lines to modern systems, we built this guide based on the questions firms ask most and the issues we solve daily.
20+ years in UK Telecom | Last updated: December 2025
Key Takeaways
UK Landline Switch Off Cities Map Explained
The UK landline switch off does not follow city borders. Changes are applied based on local telephone exchanges, which is why maps and lists often show city names. These locations simply indicate where Openreach has applied a Stop Sell rule on old copper landlines.
A landline switch off map helps people understand where changes have already started, not where phones will suddenly stop working. If your area appears, it means new analogue services cannot be ordered and existing users will later be moved to digital voice.
Interactive Impact Map
Hover over a region to see the number of exchanges currently affected.
This map uses color coding to identify regional impact status.
Why There Is No Official "City Switch Off" Map?
No public authority has released a city-based switch-off map because the change is national. Every copper landline in the UK will move away from the PSTN network by 31 January 2027.
City names appear in news reports because:
- Large towns share one or more exchanges
- Exchange areas often match city boundaries
- Media outlets simplify technical updates
Your landline service depends on exchange readiness, not postcode alone.
What "Stop Sell" Means for Your Area?
When an exchange enters a Stop Sell:
❌ New copper landline orders are blocked
✅ Existing services continue as normal
❗ Providers begin planning digital migration
Calls do not stop suddenly. Instead, customers are given notice and support to move to digital voice over broadband. This staged approach helps reduce disruption for homes and businesses.
Full List of UK Landline Switch Off Cities (Stop Sell Areas)
Below is a location-based view of areas where Stop Sell rules have been announced. This list changes over time as more exchanges are upgraded. If your city or town is listed, it does not mean your landline is off. It means the local exchange is moving away from copper services.
Select Region
England (43)
- Birmingham
- Coventry
- Wolverhampton
- Nottingham
- Sheffield
- Liverpool
- Warrington
- Bristol
- Peterborough
- Norwich
- Ipswich
- Colchester
- Lichfield
- Tamworth
- Reading
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Chester
- Durham
- Sunderland
- Halifax
- Woking
- Redhill
- St Albans
- Harrow
- Barnet
- Greenwich
- Merton
- Rochdale
- Wigan
- Manchester
- Tameside
- Preston
- Southport
- Lincoln
- Louth
- Northampton
- Kettering
- Dunstable
- Yeovil
- Weymouth
- Paignton
- Crediton
- Chard
Scotland (14)
- Dundee
- Forfar
- Rosyth
- Banff
- Forres
- Peterhead
- Carrbridge
- Lockerbie
- Wishaw
- Blantyre
- Kilwinning
- Sanquhar
- Biggar
- Ballantrae
Wales (13)
- Cardiff
- Newport
- Porthcawl
- Tonypandy
- Treorchy
- Aberystwyth
- Haverfordwest
- Ammanford
- Caerwys
- Malltraeth
- Llanwrtyd Wells
- Harlech
- Valley
Northern Ireland (6)
- Aghadowey
- Pomeroy
- Clogher
- Fintona
- Dromore
- Drumquin
- This list updates as more exchanges enter "Stop Sell".
When Will UK Landlines Be Switched Off?
The national PSTN network will close on 31 January 2027. Before that date:
1
Announcement
Stop Sell rules announced for specific exchange areas.
2
Stop Sell
No new copper lines can be ordered. Providers begin migration.
3
Contact
Providers contact customers directly to arrange digital switch.
4
Shutdown
31 January 2027: National PSTN network closure.
Waiting until the final year increases risk of rushed changes. Early checks allow smoother planning.
Need Help Preparing for the Landline Switch Off?
Many UK businesses and households prefer guidance rather than handling this change alone. The VoIP Shop supports customers through every step, from checking exchange status to setting up digital voice.
Why people choose The VoIP Shop?
10+ years supporting UK communications
NHS-approved supplier
UK-based support team, available 24/7
Clear advice without technical confusion
How to Check If Your Area Is Affected?
The easiest way to confirm your status is through your current phone provider. They can tell you whether your exchange is under Stop Sell and when changes apply.
Neighbours may have different dates due to:
- Separate exchanges
- Different broadband readiness
- Phased rollout schedules
Checking early removes uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions about UK landline switch-off cities?
Is the UK landline switch off happening by city?
No. The UK landline switch off is a national change, not a city-by-city shutdown. Cities appear in lists because Openreach applies “Stop Sell” rules at local exchange level, which often covers whole towns or cities.
What does “Stop Sell” mean for landlines?
Stop Sell means new copper landline services cannot be ordered in that exchange area. Existing landlines continue to work until customers are moved to digital voice services.
When will my landline be switched off completely?
The old PSTN network will close across the UK on 31 January 2027. Before that date, providers will contact customers with instructions on moving to digital voice.
Will I lose my landline number?
No. In most cases, you can keep your existing landline number when switching to a digital voice or VoIP service.
Do I need broadband after the landline switch off?
Yes. Digital voice services use your broadband connection instead of copper phone lines. Your phone usually plugs into the router rather than a wall socket.
What happens to my landline during a power cut?
Digital voice needs power to work. Providers offer battery backup options for vulnerable users or critical services to ensure emergency calling remains available.
Are landlines being removed completely in the UK?
No. Landlines are not being removed. They are moving from copper-based technology to digital voice over broadband, which supports clearer calls and modern features.
How do I know if my area is affected by Stop Sell?
Your phone provider can confirm whether your local exchange is under Stop Sell. They will also notify you directly before any required change.
Are businesses affected by the landline switch off?
Yes. Businesses using traditional PSTN or ISDN lines must move to VoIP or digital phone systems before 2027 to avoid service disruption.
What should I do now if my city is listed?
If your city appears on a Stop Sell list, the best step is to check your exchange status early and plan your upgrade rather than waiting until the deadline.
Conclusion
The UK landline switch off is a planned national update, not a sudden city shutdown. Stop Sell locations simply show where exchanges are moving away from copper lines first. Landlines will continue to work using digital voice, provided users prepare in time.
Understanding your area, timeline, and options now avoids last-minute pressure later.
