The UK's PSTN switch-off remains one of the biggest changes to the telecoms industry in decades. Following Openreach's latest update, there is now greater clarity on what will happen to customers who remain on legacy phone services after the switch-off date.

First, the deadline has not changed. Openreach has confirmed that it will close the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) on 31 January 2027. After that date, remaining eligible WLR lines may be transferred to Emergency Voice Access (EVAc), a temporary service designed to keep essential voice calls available while the final migration work is completed.

What Is EVAc?

EVAc (Emergency Voice Access) is Openreach's safety-net solution for a small number of customers who have not completed their migration before the PSTN closure date.

Rather than losing service immediately when the legacy network closes, eligible lines may be transferred to this temporary platform, helping maintain essential calling services while communications providers complete any outstanding migrations. Openreach has also confirmed that, where technically possible, associated broadband services will continue to operate when a line is transferred to EVAc.

Importantly, EVAc is not intended to be a long-term replacement for modern digital voice services. Openreach describes it as a temporary and limited solution to support the final stages of the migration programme.

Does This Mean the PSTN Switch Off Has Been Delayed?

No.

The PSTN switch off will still take place on 31 January 2027. Openreach has been clear that EVAc is not an extension of the programme and should not be viewed as a reason to postpone migration activity.

What has changed is that Openreach has introduced additional protections for customers who remain on eligible legacy services after the deadline.

Why Businesses Should Still Migrate Now

While the introduction of EVAc offers reassurance that customers are unlikely to be left without service immediately after the switch off, migrating to a modern All-IP service remains the best option.

Modern digital services provide greater flexibility, improved functionality and are built on infrastructure designed for the future. Businesses that migrate now can avoid the uncertainty of remaining on legacy platforms and ensure they continue benefiting from the latest communications technologies.

Openreach has also made it clear that communications providers remain responsible for completing customer migrations and that EVAc is intended only as a final safety net while that work is finished.‍

The Message Remains the Same

The latest Openreach announcement should provide reassurance, not a reason to delay.

The PSTN switch off is still approaching, and the most effective way to protect businesses from disruption is to move to modern All-IP voice and broadband services as soon as possible.

If your organisation still has customers using WLR, analogue lines, ISDN or other PSTN-dependent services, now remains the right time to complete the migration and take advantage of the benefits that digital communications can offer.

At Telecoms World, we remain committed to supporting our partners throughout the final stages of the UK's transition to an all-digital future.

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