People and organisations across Northern Ireland are being asked to review their phone and broadband set-ups as the UK's old analogue telephone network nears retirement.

With under 15 weeks to go until the 31 January 2027 deadline, around 35,000 customers in Northern Ireland still need to move off the legacy copper-based service. For most, transferring to a digital phone line is simple, but Openreach is urging everyone to check whether any equipment at home or work still depends on an analogue connection so there is time to make changes.

It's not only handsets that may be affected. Devices such as medical monitors, security or fire alarms, lift emergency phones, card payment terminals, CCTV, access-control systems, fax machines, modems and some older business phone systems can also rely on analogue lines and should be checked ahead of the switch-off.

Landlines are not being abolished; rather, traditional analogue services are being replaced by modern digital alternatives, usually delivered over broadband. Solutions exist for customers who need to update equipment or services, but acting early will help avoid disruption.

Lauren McGaughey, Openreach NI Director, said: "For many people, this change will simply mean moving their phone service from an old analogue connection to a modern digital one. But the important thing is to check what else might be connected to that line. "You might not think of your medical device, alarm, payment terminal, lift phone or CCTV system as being part of your telephone service, but some equipment can rely on an analogue connection to work. The good news is there is still time to check what you have and make any necessary changes before the deadline.

"That's why we're encouraging businesses, organisations and households across Northern Ireland to check now, rather than waiting until the deadline. If you're unsure whether you're affected, speak to your communications provider and, where relevant, the company that supplies or maintains your equipment. They can advise you on the options available and any changes that may be needed."

The migration has been progressing for several years and most legacy lines across the UK have already moved to digital. Remaining cases are increasingly likely to involve older equipment or services where multiple suppliers may need to coordinate changes.

Openreach advises customers to: identify everything connected to the phone line (beyond telephones); ask their communications provider how to move to a digital service; consult the suppliers or maintainers of any alarms, payment systems, lift phones or similar equipment; test replacements before the old line is turned off; and complete changes well before 31 January 2027.

There is no need to wait until the deadline. Starting now can surface any upgrades or replacements required and help avoid unexpected loss of service. Openreach continues to work with communications providers, local authorities and other organisations across Northern Ireland to support the transition.