PSTN Switch-Off Solutions
Adapt to the biggest change in UK communication
- Access to a range of future-proof voice services
- The latest fibre and updated internet connections
- Save landline numbers or replace with a new 01 or 02
- Reduce costs and benefit from added functionality
- UK based guidance and support from our 5-star team
What is the PSTN switch off?
The PSTN switch off is the retirement of the UK's old analogue telephone network.
Traditional landline services have historically used copper-based infrastructure to carry voice calls. As technology has developed, communications have increasingly moved towards internet-based services.
The replacement technology is digital voice, often delivered using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Instead of sending calls through the traditional telephone network, VoIP sends voice calls over an internet connection.
Ofcom describes the move as a transition from traditional PSTN landlines to digital technology using broadband connections.
When is the PSTN being switched off?
The UK's analogue PSTN network is scheduled to be retired by: 31 January 2027
Openreach is continuing to migrate customers away from legacy copper-based telephone services ahead of the deadline.
With the deadline approaching, businesses should avoid leaving their migration until the last minute.
Plan your migration
See why businesses choose Telecoms World
As the 2027 switch-off approaches, it's crucial to upgrade to cutting-edge connectivity and voice solutions to future-proof your business communications. Moving away from legacy PSTN technology ensures your business stays connected with modern, reliable systems that support growth and innovation. Embrace digital transformation now to avoid disruption and maintain competitive advantage in the evolving telecommunications landscape.
Moving to the latest data and voice solutions not only saves you money but also enhances operational efficiency to boost revenue generation. Voice overlay solutions offer significant savings, cutting costs by up to 50% compared to traditional phone lines and call costs. Eliminate expensive analog line rentals while gaining enhanced functionality, better call quality, and advanced features that drive business productivity and customer satisfaction.
Switching to the new generation of voice technology ensures that you retain your business number, safeguarding it from loss during the 2027 switch-off. Port your existing 01/02 numbers to modern VoIP platforms, maintaining brand consistency and customer recognition. Our number porting process is seamless with zero downtime, ensuring your business communications continue uninterrupted while you benefit from advanced digital telephony features.
Fiber and next-generation internet connections offer accelerated speeds and enhanced resilience, optimising business operations for the digital age. Upgrade from aging copper infrastructure to full-fiber connectivity delivering symmetrical upload and download speeds. Enhanced reliability means fewer outages, better VoIP call quality, and support for bandwidth-intensive applications like video conferencing and cloud services essential for modern business.
Gain a competitive edge by upgrading early or implementing a strategic plan to enhance voice and data solutions before the 2027 deadline. Early adopters avoid the last-minute rush when engineer availability becomes scarce and lead times extend. Plan your migration now to ensure smooth transition, secure preferred pricing, and allow adequate time for staff training on new systems without pressure of impending deadlines.
Why is the PSTN being switched off?
The traditional telephone network has been in operation for decades and is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain.
At the same time, the way businesses communicate has changed significantly.
Businesses now expect their phone systems to provide features such as:
- Remote and mobile working
- Call forwarding
- Voicemail
- Call recording
- Auto attendants
- Call queues
- Video conferencing
- CRM integration
- Microsoft Teams integration
- Mobile applications
- Business analytics
These capabilities are much easier to deliver using modern digital phone systems.
Openreach says the existing network is becoming harder to maintain, with replacement parts and specialist skills increasingly difficult to source.
The PSTN switch off is therefore part of a wider move towards modern fibre and IP-based communications infrastructure.
What does the PSTN switch off mean for businesses?
If your business currently relies on a traditional analogue phone line, the switch-off means you will need to move to a digital alternative.
This could include:
VoIP Business Phone Systems
A VoIP phone system uses your internet connection to make and receive business calls.
VoIP can provide many of the features businesses expect from a modern phone system, while allowing employees to make and receive calls from office phones, computers, tablets and mobile devices.
Cloud Phone Systems
Cloud-based phone systems take business communications a step further by hosting your phone system online.
This can make it easier to manage users, numbers and features without relying on traditional on-site telephone infrastructure.
Digital Phone Lines
For businesses that simply need a replacement for an existing traditional phone line, a digital phone service can provide a modern alternative.
The right solution will depend on how your business currently uses its telephone service and what you need from your communications system.
Side-by-Side Comparison of PSTN and VoIP
View our comparison table below, a quick guide to how the connections vary
Traditional PSTN
PSTN
FAQs
The upcoming PSTN switch-off marks a significant change in how we communicate. It means we're moving away from old-fashioned landline services to fully digital communication. For businesses still using PSTN, this shift means they'll need to switch to modern systems like VoIP, which use the internet to make calls. It's all about embracing new technology to stay connected and efficient in the evolving landscape of communication.
Switching to VoIP brings many advantages for businesses. It can save significant money by using your existing internet connection for calls, eliminating the need for separate phone lines. This cuts down on monthly phone bills and lowers costs for long-distance or international calls. Plus, VoIP makes your communication setup more flexible and scalable. You can easily add or remove lines and adjust your system as your business grows, giving you the freedom to adapt without hassle.
The impact on your broadband primarily revolves around increased reliance on internet-based communication. Since PSTN switch-off entails migration from traditional landline services to digital alternatives like VoIP, there may be increased demand for broadband bandwidth to support voice calls, video conferencing, and online communication tools. Depending on your current infrastructure, this shift could potentially strain bandwidth resources. We assess your requirements and recommend appropriate broadband upgrades to ensure quality of service.
Not necessarily. Digital phone services can be delivered over suitable broadband connections, although your provider can advise whether your existing connectivity is appropriate. Openreach states that a digital phone line can be added to existing broadband even where Full Fibre is not yet available.
They are closely related but aren't exactly the same thing. The PSTN refers to the traditional public telephone network, while the wider retirement of copper-based infrastructure involves moving services towards newer fibre networks. Openreach is also withdrawing legacy copper products as part of the UK's wider network upgrade.
The key benefits of Telecoms World as your communications provider
We provide fuss-free and cost-effective voice and data services to support businesses in the UK
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