The Price Increases Starting April 2026
The financial impact will be significant. According to Openreach’s recent warning, any business still running copper-based Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) products faces a tiered price structure starting April 2026:
- April 1, 2026: 20% price increase
- July 1, 2026: Additional 40% increase
- October 1, 2026: Final 40% increase
By October 2026, legacy line costs will have doubled compared to 2025 rates. Then comes total service loss when PSTN switches off completely four months later.
James Lilley, Director of All-IP at Openreach, explained the rationale: “The PSTN analogue network is obsolete, becoming harder to maintain and significantly more expensive to run. We are passing those costs on to providers who continue to sell legacy products.”
This represents a clear business decision rather than a warning.
Beyond Phones: The Equipment That Often Goes Unnoticed
Phone line migration is typically the first priority. However, PSTN infrastructure also powers equipment that operates silently until the moment it’s needed.
Fire alarms. Security systems. Payment terminals. Telecare devices.
This critical hardware presents additional migration challenges. Openreach confirms this equipment must be switched to All-IP networks, and they’re offering free testing at their labs to check compatibility. The question becomes: has every piece of equipment on every site been identified and assessed?
This inventory process requires systematic attention, as clients may not be aware of all connected devices.
The Skills Gap That’s Steadily Growing
Openreach acknowledges that PSTN parts and expertise are “increasingly tricky to source.” As equipment ages, repairs become more challenging and costly.
This isn’t theoretical. Copper wire has been the backbone of UK telecommunications for over a century, embedded everywhere from hospitals to corner shops. The engineers who understand this technology are approaching retirement. Replacement parts are discontinued or increasingly difficult to source.
Meanwhile, Voice over IP (VoIP), where calls transmit the same way broadband does, is seeing rapid adoption. The market’s already transitioning. The infrastructure’s changing whether businesses are ready or not.
What Actually Needs to Happen (and When)
Openreach outlined three essential steps for businesses, and the installers who support them:
1. Review your assets now
Comprehensive auditing of every site is essential. Service providers should be contacted directly for any uncertain connections.
2. Test everything
Openreach offers free equipment testing to ensure All-IP compatibility. This service helps identify potential issues before migration rather than discovering them afterwards.
3. Switch before April 2026
The timing matters. Moving before the first price increase preserves budget for proper solutions rather than paying premium rates for obsolete infrastructure.
Openreach notes that in some cases, All-IP products are already more cost-effective than WLR services, even before the scheduled increases. This cost advantage will only grow over time.
The Providers Who Haven’t Transitioned Yet
While major communications providers have migrated most of their customer base, Openreach confirms that several smaller or specialist providers haven’t transitioned as quickly.
Clients with these providers face “unique risks tied to equipment failure,” according to Openreach’s assessment. When equipment fails, installers typically receive the first calls for support.
James Lilley was direct about this: “If your provider hasn’t contacted you, you need to ask why.”
This applies to installer-client relationships as well. Proactive communication about migration plans demonstrates professional preparedness.
What This Means for Alarm Signalling
The PSTN shutdown fundamentally changes how alarm signals transmit from customer premises to Alarm Receiving Centres.
PSTN-based signalling will no longer be viable after January 2027. This deadline represents when alternative solutions become essential, not when preparation should begin.
Installers who address this transition proactively can position themselves as forward-thinking professionals while their competitors respond reactively to client enquiries.
You can learn more about preparing for the PSTN switch-off and how it impacts security systems specifically, or explore our complete PSTN migration guide for detailed planning resources.