WLR Switch Off

What Is Happening?

Openreach are going to retire all traditional phone services (PSTN & ISDN) and related broadband services (ADSL2+, FTTC & GFast) at the end of 2026.

Why?

The equipment which runs the phone network is ageing. Manufacture of spare parts are being phased out, additionally, many of the people who designed, built and operated the system are retired or close to retirement so the skills are increasingly scarce. The aspiration to move to an all IP infrastructure without the dependence on older analogue/non-digital hardware.

When?

The final switch off will be in December 2026 with no orders for WLR based services (PSTN, ISDN, ADSL2+, FTTC, GFast) now being accepted.

How will this affect my broadband?

IDNet now provide FTTP (from Openreach and several alt-nets), Mobile, SoGEA (FTTC with no line rental) and SoTAP (ADSL2+ with no line rental) broadband services which do not require the traditional phone service to be present.

All existing ADSL, FTTC & GFast customers will need to switch by December 2026, as the service will be ceased automatically at the end of 2026.

Existing customers can switch by using the 'Modify Broadband' option in our customer portal.

How will this affect my landline phone services?

For customers that have ISDN or PSTN MultiLine services - we can offer our 'Centrex Hosted Telephony' service to provide an affordable, flexible and portable alternative to your existing PBX. If you do not switch by the end of December 2026 you will be left with no phone service.

For the majority of users who have a single PSTN line we can offer our 'Centrex Single Line VoIP Service' and 'Uboss Basic VoIP' as an alternative, a suitable broadband connection is required for VoIP services. Where Openreach deems there to be customer risk, your service will be moved off PSTN to a basic emergency overrun service (WLR3 EVAc) with few features to ensure access to 999, basic calls & telecare devices.

What about my alarm system? or other essential telephone connectivity?

All good monitored alarm suppliers will be liaising with Openreach regarding the switch off and will be migrating to alternative IP or mobile based connectivity. If you have not already heard from your supplier you must contact them urgently.

Do I have to switch to the new services?

Yes, you must switch to an alternative service by the end of 2026.

We will not be automatically migrating customers as in a lot of cases an engineering visit will be required, customers must make your own decision as to the best alternative service. If you are unsure of best option then please contact us ASAP.

What happens if I don't switch?

ADSL, FTTC, GFast, ISDN & PSTN Multiline customers will have their services terminated at the end of 2026.

Single Line PSTN services will continue after this date subject to Openreach deeming that you are a customer at risk (i.e. vulnerable customer - elderly, disabled, health problems) but at a higher price and with less features.

Price Changes

Openreach will be increasing broadband & phone line rental charges in several stages during 2026 to persuade customers to move to an alternative service, we will be passing these increases on to our customers & will notify them in advance.

From April 1st 2026 a £2.50 ex vat (£3 inc vat) monthly surcharge will apply to each ADSL, FTTC & GFast broadband circuit.

From April 1st 2026 all WLR based phone services (PSTN, ISDN) will have a £2.50 ex vat (£3 inc vat) monthly surcharge applied, this will rise to £5 ex vat (£6 inc vat) on 1st July and then to £10 ex vat (£12 inc vat) on 1st October.