What is the Great Switch Off?
The Great Switch Off refers to the planned shutdown of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) in the UK, scheduled for January 31, 2027. This network has been the backbone of traditional telephone services for decades. After this date, services that rely on Wholesale Line Rental (WLR), including traditional phone lines, will need to transition to modern alternatives.
This change will also affect broadband services. When the PSTN is switched off, broadband connections will need to move to newer technologies like Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Single Order Generic Ethernet Access (SOGEA), or Single Order Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (SOADSL) in areas where full fibre isn’t available.
The goal of the Great Switch Off is to modernise the UK’s telecommunications infrastructure, paving the way for more reliable and faster digital services.
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