Thirty four per cent of people are unaware of the upcoming Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), according to a survey by Zen Internet.
The report also found that about two thirds (66 per cent) of respondents expressed concern that older relatives and friends may feel lonelier and more isolated if deprived of their landline. Receiving more calls from loved ones would help more of us (35 per cent) tackle loneliness, it revealed.
The study found that over 55s might typically rely more heavily on a traditional landline phone for keeping in contact, but they are the least informed about the digital shift (39 per cent).
By geographical area, Londoners are the most aware (70 per cent). In contrast, regions like the East Midlands and North East are the least informed (both 55 per cent).
The survey also revealed that more than half (52 per cent) of UK households still use a landline, with 15 per cent relying on it exclusively — a figure that rises to 20 per cent in rural areas.
Additionally, almost half (48 per cent) of people believe that having a landline number makes businesses more credible, while 35 per cent feel less inclined to trust a company with only a mobile number.
Despite these advantages, the shift to digital telephony is inevitable, with younger demographics (25 to 34 years old) increasingly choosing to retain a landline when the switch-off happens (44 per cent).
Two in five say that a landline is a convenient backup in case mobile reception is poor (41 per cent) and it is a means to connect with older family members (39 per cent). For about 3 in 10, it is routine to use the landline for long conversations and formal calls (29 per cent), and it offers reliable connection with better call quality than mobile phones (28 per cent). For almost 1 in 6, the landline offers a more personal experience than a mobile (17 per cent).
With more than half (53 per cent) of people preferring to explain things verbally in phone calls, it is important to understand digital voice when the switch happens, especially since almost a third (32 per cent) plan to keep a landline.
Zen Internet CEO, Richard Tang, said, “Our research shows that millions of people across the UK, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, are unaware of the switch off of the Public Switched Telephone Network, also known as the traditional landline.
“The traditional landline telephone service will be switched off completely by January 2027. While the transition may seem daunting, you can still have a landline service and keep your landline number, but this will be provided digitally by your broadband provider. It is best to switch over sooner rather than later, and we have already supported many of our customers to make the switch to digital voice.”
He added, “Our goal is to ensure that no one is left behind in this shift, particularly our elderly and vulnerable communities. Awareness and early action are key.”