Is Your Business Phone System Ready for the 2027 PSTN Switch-Off?
The UK's Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), the traditional copper wire telephone system that has been in use for over a century, is being permanently switched off. Openreach's planned programme means businesses that rely on traditional landlines, ISDN circuits, or analogue connections need to act well before the final deadline.
If your business still uses a traditional phone system and has not yet begun planning the transition, now is the time to start.
What Is the PSTN Switch-Off?
Openreach has committed to retiring the PSTN infrastructure across the UK. The network that underpins traditional analogue phone lines and ISDN connections will cease to operate, meaning any device or service that relies on it, including phone lines, alarm systems, door entry systems, and fax machines, will stop working unless an alternative is in place.
Many providers have already stopped selling new PSTN and ISDN products. Businesses that have not yet transitioned to a digital alternative are running out of time.
What Replaces the Traditional Phone System?
The replacement technology is VoIP, Voice over Internet Protocol. Rather than routing calls through a dedicated copper wire network, VoIP transmits voice as data over your internet connection. This opens up significant advantages for businesses:
Calls can be made and received on any device, desktop phone, mobile, laptop, or tablet
Remote and hybrid workers can use the same number and system regardless of location
Features like call routing, auto-attendant, call recording, and voicemail to email are typically included as standard
Costs are usually lower, particularly for calls between sites or internationally
The system scales easily as your business grows or changes
What Else Is Affected?
It is not just phones that businesses need to consider. Many systems that use the existing phone network to communicate will also be affected, including:
Alarm systems (intruder, fire, and panic alarms that dial out over a phone line)
Lift emergency phones
Door entry and access control systems
CCTV and monitoring systems with remote dialout
Card payment terminals
Each of these needs to be assessed and migrated to a suitable alternative. Some can transition to mobile SIM connections; others will need a different solution entirely.
How to Prepare
Start by auditing every device and service in your business that uses a phone line. This is often more than businesses initially expect. Once you have a complete picture, a managed IT or telecoms provider can advise on the right migration path for each system and help you plan the transition in an orderly way.
Leaving this until the last moment risks rushed decisions, potential service interruptions, and the possibility of certain systems going offline if they are missed during the migration.
-> Find out about CapNet's Business Telephone solutions
-> Read: The Importance of Business Broadband and Connectivity
-> Explore CapNet's IT Project Management services for planned migrations