The PSTN switch-off is fast approaching, with the UK’s traditional phone network due to be switched off forever on 31 January 2027.
If your business is still relying on these old phone lines, there’s still work to do to make sure you stay connected and communicate once the change happens. While many organisations have already moved to digital alternatives, it’s still important to check that everything connected to these old phone lines has been accounted for. From your business phone system to payment systems, overlooking a single service could cause a serious headache when everything gets switched off.
At Agile Comms, any clients affected by the PSTN switch-off should already have their migration sorted or be in the process of getting everything in place. We’ve been on top of this for a few years now, originally working towards a 2025 deadline. However, if you’re unsure whether your business is ready, haven’t confirmed your arrangements, or need to put alternative provisions in place, here’s what you need to know.
What Is The PSTN Switch-Off?
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is the traditional copper-based network that has supported landlines across the country for decades. Alongside the ISDN network, it has provided the infrastructure for business telephone calls and other services, like business broadband, that rely on traditional telephone lines.
Years later, these legacy networks have become significantly outdated. It’s costing Openreach more and more to maintain them each year, which is why the decision has been made to switch them off on the 31st January 2027.
This doesn’t mean that business phones will no longer exist – far from it. It just means that businesses using affected services will need to move to faster and more flexible digital services like SIP lines and hosted cloud phone systems to make and receive calls.
How Will The PSTN Switch Off Affect Your Business?
Many organisations are prepared for when PSTN and ISDN lines switch off, already using and completely comfortable with alternatives like cloud phone systems.
That said, it’s worth reviewing several key systems to check that you are ready.
Business Phone Systems
Pretty much every business on planet Earth makes and takes phone calls every single day. If you’re doing so over traditional PSTN or ISDN lines, you need to move to a digital alternative as a matter of priority.
Your options will include hosted cloud phone systems and SIP services, depending on the current setup and your requirements.
As well as being a necessity, making this switch will bring a number of benefits. Where cloud phone systems are concerned, platforms like 8×8 and CallSwitch One are designed to make modern collaboration as easy as it should be. These systems run via an internet connection through the cloud, with advanced call routing, recording and AI features designed to help organisations communicate more flexibly. While the hassle of changing might feel frustrating, doing so is a real and robust upgrade to the way your phone system works.
Broadband & Connectivity
You’ll also need to look at your connectivity and make sure that your internet connection is suitable for your phone system. You might need to swap to full fibre or a leased line, rather than running off the old phone lines. After all, the reliability of your connection will become more important than ever when your phone system is also reliant on it, so make sure that you invest in something that supports the way your business works.
While leased lines are more expensive than fibre connections, they offer guaranteed bandwidth and extremely reliable upload and download speeds. It’s certainly an investment worth considering as we move into an era where reliability is simply non-negotiable.
Alarms & Payment Terminals
A surprising range of business equipment beyond your phone system has traditionally relied on analogue phone lines to communicate, including:
- Alarm systems
- Emergency phones
- Payment terminals
- Door-entry systems
- CCTV equipment
If any of these services use an affected connection, you’ll need to check whether they can continue working after the switch-off and arrange a suitable alternative where necessary.
What Happens If My Business Isn’t Ready?
With the deadline for the PSTN switch-off fast approaching, do not assume that your existing services will continue working as normal afterwards.
Lines that haven’t migrated may be moved to a temporary Emergency Voice Access (EVAc) service or lose service altogether. While EVAc is designed to maintain basic voice calls for a limited period, it doesn’t provide all of the features available and is certainly not a long-term solution.
Leaving things until the last minute can also make it harder to arrange equipment upgrades and the installation of new connectivity solutions. Confirm your position now and make sure there’s a clear plan in place for anything that still needs to change.
Get Ready Checklist
If you haven’t yet confirmed your arrangements for the PSTN switch-off, take these practical steps now.
- Review your existing phone services
- Check every service connected to your phone lines
- Confirm your migration plan
- Make sure your new services are working
- Keep a record of what’s been completed
Need Help Getting Your Business Ready?
If you’re unsure about any of the above and need help understanding your options ahead of the fast-approaching PSTN switch-off, we can help. At Agile Comms, we’ve already been migrating our clients to suitable phone systems and connectivity solutions and are on hand to help you make the switch, too.
Whether you want to upgrade to a more flexible phone system or explore an investment in more robust broadband via a leased line, we can help you find a solution that suits the way your organisation works. Get in touch with our team today, and we’ll help you put the right plans in place.
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