Ireland Copper Switch-Off: What Irish Businesses Need to Know Before It’s Too Late

Ireland’s telecommunications infrastructure is undergoing its biggest transformation in over a century. The copper network that has carried voice calls and broadband to Irish homes and businesses for generations is being retired — and if your business relies on traditional phone lines, ISDN, or PSTN services, you need to act now.

Unlike the UK’s fixed January 2027 deadline, Ireland’s copper switch-off is happening gradually — which sounds reassuring until you realise that means there’s no single date to plan around. Instead, the transition is already underway, with eir and other providers migrating customers region by region as fibre coverage expands.

This guide explains what’s happening, when it will affect your business, which systems are at risk, and how to migrate to modern VoIP phone systems without disruption.

What Is the Ireland Copper Switch-Off?

The copper switch-off refers to the retirement of Ireland’s traditional copper-based telephone and broadband infrastructure. This includes the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) — the system that has powered landline calls since the early 1900s — and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) services that many businesses still use for voice and data.

Once the copper network is switched off in your area, traditional analogue phone lines will simply stop working. Businesses that haven’t migrated to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or other IP-based solutions will lose their phone service — and potentially their business phone numbers.

The move is part of the European Commission’s broader digital infrastructure strategy, which has set 2030 as the preferred deadline for all EU member states to complete the transition from copper to fibre and IP-based networks.

Why Is Ireland Retiring the Copper Network?

There are several practical reasons driving this change. The copper infrastructure is ageing and increasingly unreliable — some components are over 50 years old and becoming difficult and expensive to maintain. As BT Ireland’s Sarah Bradley explained to Silicon Republic, these networks have

“become increasingly fragile and prone to failure. All-IP fibre networks are a modern alternative that can support the extra bandwidth needed by our society.”

Meanwhile, consumer and business usage patterns have changed dramatically. Traditional landline usage has been declining steadily — CSO statistics show the percentage of Irish homes with a fixed line dropped from 86.9% in 2004 to 59.2% in 2019, and that trend has only accelerated since.

For telecoms providers like eir, maintaining two parallel networks — copper and fibre — is simply not sustainable. The switch-off allows them to focus resources on modern infrastructure that can deliver better service at lower cost.

Ireland Copper Switch-Off Timeline: What We Know

Unlike the UK, Ireland doesn’t have a fixed “big bang” switch-off date. Instead, the process is governed by a regulatory framework set by ComReg (the Commission for Communications Regulation), with eir managing the actual migration.

Here’s the timeline so far:

Date	Milestone
March 2021	Eir published its “Copper Switch-Off” white paper, signalling intent to migrate customers to fibre
August 2021	ComReg launched public consultation on migration framework
November 2023	ComReg published Decision D09/23 — the official framework governing how eir can switch off copper
2024–Present	Gradual migration underway; eir offering incentives for FTTC to FTTP upgrades
2030	EU’s preferred deadline for complete copper switch-off across member states
TBC	Eir has not yet submitted formal switch-off proposal to ComReg with specific area timelines

The key point for Irish businesses: eir will provide 12–18 months’ notice before any changes occur in your area. However, waiting until you receive that notice means you’ll be migrating under pressure rather than on your own terms.

How Ireland’s Switch-Off Differs from the UK

If you’ve read about the UK’s 2027 landline switch-off, you might be wondering how Ireland’s approach compares. There are some important differences:

Factor	UK	Ireland
Switch-off deadline	31 January 2027 (fixed)	No fixed date (EU target: 2030)
Approach	National simultaneous switch-off	Phased, region-by-region
Regulator	Ofcom	ComReg
Main provider	BT Openreach	eir (open eir wholesale)
Notice period	Varies by provider	12–18 months guaranteed
Fibre dependency	Not required everywhere	Must have fibre/alternative available first

The phased approach in Ireland means some businesses may have more time than their UK counterparts — but it also creates uncertainty. Without a fixed deadline, there’s a risk of complacency that could leave businesses scrambling when their area is announced.

What Systems Will Be Affected?

The copper switch-off affects far more than just desk phones. Many Irish businesses have equipment connected to PSTN or ISDN lines that they may not even be aware of. Here’s what’s at risk:

Telephone Systems

• Traditional analogue desk phones connected to wall sockets
• ISDN-based phone systems (ISDN2 and ISDN30)
• Fax machines (yes, many businesses still use them)
• Door entry and intercom systems with phone integration

Security and Safety Systems

• Intruder alarm systems that dial out to monitoring centres
• Fire alarm panels connected via phone lines
• CCTV systems with remote dial-in access
• Panic buttons and emergency alert systems
• Lift emergency phones (a legal requirement in many buildings)

Payment and Business Systems

• Card payment terminals (PDQ machines) using dial-up
• EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) systems
• Vending machines with remote monitoring
• Building management and heating controls
• Telemetry and utility monitoring equipment

SIRO’s analysis found that house and security alarms, medical monitors, lift emergency phones, car park barriers, and retail terminals could all be impacted. If you haven’t audited your premises for PSTN-dependent equipment, now is the time.

How to Prepare Your Business for the Switch-Off

Migrating before you’re forced to gives you control over the process. Here’s a practical step-by-step approach:

Step 1: Audit Your Current Infrastructure

Identify every device and system connected to your phone lines. This includes obvious items like phones, but also alarms, payment terminals, and any equipment that “dials out” automatically. Check with your alarm company, lift maintenance provider, and payment processor to understand their requirements.

Step 2: Check Your Broadband Connection

VoIP runs over your internet connection, so reliable broadband is essential. If you’re still on ADSL or basic fibre, consider upgrading to business-grade broadband or a dedicated leased line for guaranteed bandwidth and uptime.

Step 3: Choose Your VoIP Solution

Modern cloud phone systems offer significant advantages over traditional phone lines — including mobile apps, video calling, call recording, and the ability to work from anywhere. For businesses wanting to retain existing handsets, SIP trunking can connect your current system to VoIP without replacing hardware.

Step 4: Plan Your Number Porting

You can keep your existing business phone numbers when moving to VoIP — this is called number porting. A good provider will manage this process to ensure minimal disruption, but it’s worth starting early as porting can take several weeks.

Step 5: Address Non-Phone Equipment

For alarms, lifts, and payment terminals, you’ll need to work with your suppliers to find IP-compatible alternatives. Many modern security systems now use 4G/5G cellular connections instead of phone lines, which can actually be more reliable.

Step 6: Train Your Team

VoIP systems work differently from traditional phones — but they’re generally more intuitive. Budget time for staff training, particularly on features like call transfer, voicemail-to-email, and mobile apps.

The Silver Lining: Why VoIP Is Actually Better

The copper switch-off isn’t just about replacing like-for-like — it’s an opportunity to upgrade your business communications significantly. Here’s what you gain with VoIP:

• Lower costs: No line rental, cheaper call rates (especially international), and predictable monthly billing
• Work from anywhere: Staff can make and receive calls on their business number from any location using mobile or desktop apps
• Better features: Call recording, voicemail-to-email, video conferencing, call analytics, and auto-attendants come as standard
• Scalability: Add or remove users in minutes without engineer visits or new hardware
• Business continuity: Cloud-based systems keep working even if your office is inaccessible
• Integration: Connect your phone system to CRM, email, and other business tools

For more on the practical benefits, see our guide to VoIP for small business or our detailed explanation of how to make the transition to VoIP.

Common Concerns About VoIP Migration

“What happens during a power cut?”

This is the most common concern — and it’s valid. Traditional copper lines are powered by the exchange, so they work during power outages. VoIP requires power and internet. However, modern solutions include automatic failover to mobile phones, battery backup options, and mobile apps that keep you connected via 4G/5G even if your office loses power.

“Will call quality be as good?”

With a decent broadband connection, VoIP call quality typically exceeds traditional landlines. HD voice codecs deliver clearer audio than PSTN ever could. The key is ensuring your internet connection has sufficient bandwidth and, ideally, Quality of Service (QoS) settings that prioritise voice traffic.

“What about rural areas with poor broadband?”

ComReg’s framework requires that “Alternative Comparable Products” must be available before copper can be switched off in any area. This means fibre (via eir, SIRO, or National Broadband Ireland) or equivalent alternatives must reach your premises first. Rural businesses should also explore business WiFi solutions and fixed wireless access options.

Why Act Now — Even Without a Fixed Deadline?

The gradual nature of Ireland’s switch-off creates a dangerous temptation to wait. Here’s why that’s a mistake:

1. The copper network is already deteriorating. As investment shifts to fibre, maintenance on copper declines. Fault response times are getting longer, and parts are becoming harder to source.
2. Early adopters get better service. Migrate now and you’ll have time to plan, test, and train. Wait until you receive your 12-month notice and you’ll be competing with every other business in your area for installation slots.
3. You’ll save money immediately. VoIP typically costs less than traditional line rental and calls. Every month you wait is money wasted on legacy infrastructure.
4. Your competitors are moving. Businesses on modern phone systems have better mobility, better features, and lower costs. Don’t let your communications become a competitive disadvantage.

How Yellowcom Can Help Irish Businesses

With offices in Dublin and Belfast, Yellowcom has been helping Irish businesses navigate telecoms transitions for over 15 years. We understand the specific challenges facing Irish SMEs — and we’re not going to try to sell you something you don’t need.

Our approach starts with a straightforward assessment of your current setup. We’ll identify what’s affected, recommend the right solution for your business, and manage the entire migration — including number porting — so you can focus on running your business.

Whether you need a full cloud phone system, Horizon hosted VoIP, or an on-premise iPECS solution with SIP connectivity, we’ll recommend what actually fits your needs — not the most expensive option.

Contact our Ireland team today on 01 263 5299 for a free, no-obligation assessment of your switch-off readiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the copper switch-off happen in Ireland?

There’s no fixed national date. The European Commission’s preferred deadline is 2030, but eir has not yet submitted specific area timelines to ComReg. Businesses will receive 12–18 months’ notice before their area is affected.

Will I lose my business phone number?

No — as long as you migrate before the switch-off. Number porting allows you to transfer your existing numbers to a VoIP system. If you wait until the copper is switched off, you may lose your numbers permanently.

What’s the difference between PSTN and ISDN?

PSTN is the basic analogue phone network that’s been around for over a century. ISDN is a digital system introduced in the 1980s that allowed voice and data transmission simultaneously. Both run on copper infrastructure and both are being retired.

Will my alarm system still work after the switch-off?

If it currently uses a phone line to communicate with the monitoring centre, it will need to be upgraded. Modern alarm systems use cellular (4G/5G) or IP connectivity instead. Contact your alarm provider to discuss migration options.

Is VoIP reliable enough for business?

Yes — the vast majority of businesses worldwide now use VoIP. With appropriate broadband connectivity and a reputable provider, VoIP is typically more reliable than ageing copper infrastructure. Features like automatic failover and mobile apps actually improve business continuity compared to traditional landlines.