If you’re still using traditional copper phone lines for your business communications, it’s time to pay attention. Openreach has announced significant price hikes on legacy copper-based services – and these changes could double your line rental costs by the end of 2026.
What’s changing?
Openreach is significantly raising wholesale prices for Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) products in three phases:
- April 2026: 20% price increase
- July 2026: Additional 40% rise (based on current prices)
- October 2026: Another 40% increase – doubling current rental prices
This aggressive pricing strategy aims to encourage businesses to adopt digital alternatives before the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) is fully switched off in January 2027.
Why you can’t afford to wait
With around three million lines still needing upgrades before the 2027 deadline, the message from Openreach is clear: act now or pay much more for an outdated service that’s being phased out anyway.
James Lilley, Openreach’s Managed Customer Migrations Director, stated: “These price adjustments are designed to drive action… Communications Providers must act now to move customers – we are reaffirming the deadline for closure.”
The VoIP advantage: Why digital voice makes business sense
At Eazycomm, we’ve been assisting UK businesses in transitioning to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephony. The advantages extend well beyond just avoiding Openreach’s price hikes.
Cost savings
Switching to VoIP isn’t just about avoiding price hikes – many businesses actually lower their overall telecommunications expenses. With VoIP, you can remove separate line rental charges and take advantage of more competitive call rates.
Greater flexibility
VoIP systems enable your team to make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection. Ideal for hybrid working, remote teams, or staff who travel frequently.
Enhanced features
Modern VoIP systems feature capabilities that traditional phone lines simply cannot match: call recording, voicemail-to-email, auto-attendants, call analytics, and seamless integration with your business software.
Future-proof technology
With the PSTN switch-off confirmed for January 2027, upgrading to VoIP now means you’re investing in technology that’s built for the future, rather than clinging to a service that’s deliberately being priced out of existence.
Reliability and scalability
VoIP services running over fibre broadband connections provide excellent call quality and reliability. Additionally, adding or removing lines is straightforward – no need for engineer visits or lengthy installations.
Take control before costs spiral
The Openreach price hikes begin in just five months. Waiting until the last minute could leave you at risk:
- Paying significantly more for an outdated service
- Rushing into a solution that doesn’t best suit your business needs
- Facing installation delays as demand surges closer to the deadline
- Being forced onto a basic emergency service if migration isn’t completed in time
Make the switch with Eazycomm
At Eazycomm, we specialise in assisting UK businesses to transition smoothly to VoIP telephony. We’ll:
- Assess your current setup and business requirements
- Recommend the right VoIP solution for your needs and budget
- Handle the technical migration to ensure minimal disruption
- Provide full training and ongoing support
- Help you keep your existing phone numbers
Don’t let Openreach’s price hikes pressure you into rushing a decision. Take control now and upgrade to a communications system that will save you money, improve flexibility, and support your business growth.
The PSTN switch-off is coming. The price increases are real. The time to act is now.
Get in touch with Eazycomm today for a free consultation and see how VoIP can revolutionise your business communications while shielding you from expensive copper line price increases.