Petition · Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Stop the closure of the Public Switched Telephone Network

Closed 57 signatures

What the petition asks

Stop the closure of the Public Switched Telephone Network, prioritising safety of elderly and vulnerable people.
The PSTN works with a simple corded phone into a landline, & continues to work even when a powercut occurs. Digital broadband & Voice over Internet Protocol services are often disrupted.

During a powercut, with mobile reception poor due to severe weather conditions, the PSTN can still work fine, providing a communication option for elderly and vulnerable people to stay in contact with friends and family.

Digital systems often won't work, and mobiles can be out of credit/charge.

Timeline

7 May 2025 Petition opened for signatures
7 Nov 2025 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 57
Status Closed
Department Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade
Opened 7 May 2025
Closed 7 Nov 2025

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 18 Aug 2026.