Around 35,000 homes and businesses in Northern Ireland have yet to move off the old analogue telephone network ahead of its retirement on January 31, 2027.
Openreach is urging customers to check their phone lines now, warning that the change could affect more than just telephone handsets.
While traditional landlines are not disappearing, analogue services are being replaced by digital alternatives, usually delivered over broadband.
Openreach NI director Lauren McGaughey said many customers would face a straightforward switch, but equipment connected to a phone line could also be affected.
“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,” she said.
Customers are advised to contact their communications provider if unsure whether they are affected, and to speak to the supplier or maintenance company for any connected equipment.
Openreach said acting early would give people time to identify problems and test replacement equipment before the existing connection is switched off.
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