Liverpool has the smallest share of legacy phone lines still to be upgraded of any of the UK’s 10 largest urban centres, with six per cent left to migrate before the old copper-based network is switched off at the end of January 2027, according to data published by Openreach.

The figures, which cover major cities and their surrounding areas, come with less than 20 weeks to go before the analogue Public Switched Telephone Network, or PSTN, shuts down.

Manchester is second, with just over seven per cent of legacy lines left, followed by Cardiff with just over eight per cent and Leeds with around 8.6 per cent, Openreach said.

London has the largest share still to move, at around 13 per cent. Glasgow follows with just over 10 per cent, while Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh each have around nine per cent remaining.

Across the 10 cities and their surrounding areas, Openreach said around 90 per cent of legacy lines, more than six million, have migrated to digital services over the last five years. That leaves around 600,000 lines still to be moved before the PSTN switch-off.

James Lilley, director of All-IP at Openreach, said: “When it comes to preparing for the switch-off, our Northern cities appear to have a head start. But the bigger story is the progress being made right across the UK, with more than 90 per cent of legacy lines across ten major cities and their surrounding areas already upgraded to digital alternatives.”

“That means around seven million copper-based services have made the switch. But with more than 600,000 lines still to migrate, there’s no room for complacency.”

Lilley said many organisations may not realise how many services other than phone lines depend on the old network.

“Many organisations may have already upgraded their phone line but may not realise how many other services still rely on the old network, from payment terminals and lift alarms to security systems, door entry systems and building management technology. Once the PSTN is withdrawn, those services could stop working unless they’ve been upgraded or replaced.”

“The reality is that the final migrations are likely to be the most complex and business critical. The organisations that act now will have more time to identify hidden dependencies, test new solutions and make the transition smoothly. Those that leave it until the last-minute risk unnecessary cost, disruption and pressure as the deadline approaches.”

Openreach is urging city-based businesses to speak to their service provider, establish which services could be affected and put a migration plan in place.

“Inaction is no longer about uncertainty but preparedness, and those who wait risk leaving customers exposed to avoidable service disruption. The consequences go beyond technical issues, they can lead to lost revenue, operational difficulties and a poorer experience for customers,” Lilley added.

Nationwide, Openreach estimates around 1.5 million lines are still operating on the copper network, including around 350,000 business premises. It gave the same figures in July, when it warned businesses there were six months left before the network is withdrawn on 31 January 2027 and said there would be no extension to the deadline.

The switch-off has already prompted some firms to look again at their telephony, with Business Matters reporting on small businesses replacing landlines with virtual phone numbers and on the business VoIP phone systems available as alternatives.

Openreach said it has launched a range of migration offers, meaning a move to digital services can often be the more cost-effective option for customers.

It has also raised prices on its legacy Wholesale Line Rental services to encourage migration. Under the schedule Openreach set out in February, rental charges rose by 20 per cent in April and 40 per cent in July, with a further 40 per cent increase due on 1 October that will leave them at double their 2025 level.

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