The PSTN and ISDN Switch Off Is Coming.
Is Your Business Ready?
In January 2027, Openreach will retire the UK’s analogue copper telephone network (PSTN). Every copper-wire phone lines must move over to an internet-based phone solution before then.
Understanding the PSTN and ISDN Switch Off
The UK is retiring PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) by January 2027.
Openreach will switch off copper analogue lines nationwide, replacing them with faster, more reliable digital networks. This means if your business relies on copper landlines for calls, alarms, fax machines, or card readers, it’s time to plan your migration to digital.
PSTN and ISDN Switch Off Timeline
How Will the PSTN and ISDN Switch Off Affect Your Business?
If your systems still use traditional copper lines, they may stop working once the switch off completes. The impact goes far beyond phone calls. Services that could be affected include:
Phone systems
Security and alarm systems
Payment terminals
Lift emergency lines
Door entry systems
Fax machines
How will the PSTN Switch-Off affect your business?
If your systems still use traditional lines, they may stop working which means the transition will affect more than just your phone calls but also impact essential business services.
Phone systems
Security and alarm systems
Payment Terminals
Lift emergency lines
Door entry systems
Fax machines
Timeline for the Switch-Off
Switching from analogue to digital landlines
Moving to a hosted solution ahead of the PSTN and ISDN Switch Off is cost-effective, since installation and maintenance costs are minimal. A hosted solution also means you avoid paying expensive traditional phone line bills, as your calls are placed over competitively priced internet connectivity instead.
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Everything you need to know
Yes. In the UK, copper-based PSTN and ISDN lines are being retired. Originally scheduled for end of 2025, the final switch-off is now set for January 31, 2027. We can help you migrate smoothly to VoIP to avoid any disruption. Book a free consultation to receive an audit of your current telephone system.
Traditional rotary phones use pulse dialling, which
isn’t supported by modern digital systems (VoIP).
While adapters exist, compatibility is limited and
mostly for novelty use. If you need help connecting
to older phones, ask us about Analog Telephone Adapters
(ATAs)
You can’t plug a landline straight into Wi-Fi. Instead, VoIP services require an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) or a VoIP-enabled router to convert internet signals into analogue phone signals. If you want us to handle the setup please get in touch here.
Old analogue phones can be reused when paired with VoIP via an ATA or VoIP-compatible system. However, some features like caller ID or voicemail may vary in performance.
Try these steps:
1. Move the phone to a known working socket.
2. Test with another handset.
3. Plug into the master socket to rule out wiring faults.
4. Check for a dial tone.
If none resolve the issue, you contact your current provider or schedule a consultation here for a free audit with our industry experts.
While usage is declining, some rural areas, older residents, and businesses with legacy systems (like fax machines or alarms) still use PSTN/ISDN. But with the UK retiring these services by January 2027, it’s critical to migrate as soon as possible as this may affect your business.
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or reach out to us on 0330 135 5000. We’re here to help!
