Telecommunications Modernisation: Connectivity Timeline
This connectivity timeline lists current dates for telecommunications modernisations supplied by network operators.
Connectivity timeline
Telecommunications infrastructure needs to be modernised in order to provide a better service to customers, and improve network security, reliability and resilience.
This means that equipment and devices utilising telecommunications networks need to be upgraded and replaced as newer, modernised connectivity solutions replace older ones.
You can find a list of the current dates for telecommunications modernisations supplied by network operators to government, including the dates for each network to be retired. Network operators may make other information available on their own websites.
If you are a business, manufacturer, supplier or consumer whose services utilise any of the below networks, you need to upgrade your services to the latest connectivity solution before the final date provided.
Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) migration
Old analogue landline technology, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is being replaced by digital services which are more efficient to operate and offer improved reliability.
The upgrade to analogue landlines will be delivered by the telecoms industry. All users of the Openreach PSTN will need to be migrated to new services by the 31 January 2027.
2G Switch-off
The UK’s mobile network operators (MNOs) are switching off 2G networks, to make way for the faster and more efficient 4G and 5G networks.
- VodafoneThree: VodafoneThree has committed to reach 99% 5G Standalone (5G SA) population coverage by 2030 and 99.96% by 2034. VodafoneThree 2G network will be switched off in spring 2030, with the service retired earlier in certain areas to test readiness and ensure a smooth transition
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EE: as part of BT – delivers 4G and 5G coverage across the UK. Most EE customers no longer use 2G. EE will therefore undertake the nationwide retirement of its 2G network and services from May 2029, as announced in October 2025. Ahead of this, EE will conduct pilot closures in different regions to help inform its approach to its UK-wide switch off – ensuring a smooth and safe transition for any people and organisations still using 2G.
For more information on how EE will approach its 2G retirement, visit: EE 2G and 3G Switch-Off: what EE customers need to know and BT Business: 2G Switch-Off.
Exchange exit
Exchange exit is the process of closing a telephone exchange once all customers have been moved from older copper phone and broadband services to modern digital or full‑fibre networks, allowing services to be provided from other exchanges.
Exchanges: timelines
Exchanges will be closed over the next decade, starting with 108 exchanges by 2030. The first exchanges will be closed in 4 phases.
Pilot Phase
3 exchange closures:
- Ballyclare
- Deddington
- Kenton Road
Phase 1 (By April 2028)
12 exchange closures:
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Allestree Park
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Baynard (Wood Street)
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Beacon
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Carrickfergus
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Childwall
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Glengormley
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Langford
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Lundin Links
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Nazeing
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Staines
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Thames Ditton
-
Wraysbury
Phase 2 (by April 2029)
20 exchange closures:
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Bramhall
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Brighton Withdean
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Chatham
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Doncaster North
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Edmonton
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Grays Thurrock
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Headless Cross
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Howland Street
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Kensington Garden
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Lea Valley
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Monument
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Motherwell
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New Cross
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North Paddington
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Pimlico
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Southwark
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Sunbury
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Uxbridge
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Wandsworth
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Woolwich
Phase 3 (by April 2030)
31 exchange closures:
- Aldershot
- Bayswater
- Caterham
- Chiswick
- Crouch End
- Edinburgh Craiglockhart
- Esher
- Farnborough
- Finchley
- Hertford
- Holborn
- Kent
- Long Ashton
- Mayfair
- Midland
- Mogador
- North Cheam
- Paddington
- Pinner
- Pontypridd
- Primrose Hill
- Purley
- Shoreditch
- Skyport
- Somersham
- South Kensington
- Stratford
- Streatham
- Wapping
- Wembley
- Weybridge
- Worcester
Phase 4 (by December 2030)
42 exchange closures:
- Addingham
- Aughton Green
- Betchworth
- Blackwater
- Bookham
- Bracklesham Bay
- Brightlingsea
- Chafford
- Chelston
- Chinley
- Chorleywood
- Cogenhoe
- Dudley; West Midlands
- Gateacre
- Glasgow Provanmill
- Guestling
- Harrow
- Haxey
- Headley Down
- Holmer Green
- Hounslow
- Iver
- Kingston SSC (Taverner House)
- Knowle
- Leagrave
- Liverpool Central
- Mawnan Smith
- Mold
- Newick
- Otford
- Ramsden Heath
- Richmond Kew; Surrey
- Ripponden
- Shepton Mallet
- Shorne
- Somerton
- Stratton On The Fosse
- Sunderland
- Widemouth
- Woodgate
- Worthing Swandean
- Writtle