What is the PSTN Switch-Off?

After almost 150 years in operation, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) will be deactivated by British Telecom in 2027. This means that if your business phone system – and any connected technologies – have not moved away from analogue phone lines to a digital phone line by 2027, you’ll lose communications with your customers in an instant.

The fallout could be devastating, with your enterprise losing customers, profits and suffering irreparable reputational damage as you scramble to find a solution at the last minute.

Thankfully, there are various ways your company can stay on track, as thousands of others have already done – by embracing IP-based communication systems from reputable third-party providers, such as Elite Group. Speak to one of our experts today to find the best solution for your business.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

When is the PSTN Switch-off?

The PSTN Switch-Off is happening in January 2027, with an exact date yet to be confirmed.

By acting now and making the move to internet-based comms sooner rather than later, you’ll not only be well-prepared for the switch-off, but you’ll also be offering your employees the chance to explore a more efficient and productive way of working, thanks to the abundance of digital tools this technology facilitates.

On top of this, you’ll save a fortune by avoiding late price-hikes from providers seeking to take advantage of businesses who fear being left behind.

Why is the PSTN Switch-Off Happening?

When the original copper wiring was first introduced, phone communication was much sparser than it is today. As time, technology, and population numbers progressed, these lines came under increasing strain. Today, in the age of high-speed internet and consistent connectivity, traditional voice services simply aren’t up to the task of serving the everyday needs of businesses and individuals.

By moving to alternatives like VoIP, your business will benefit from clearer, more concise communications across the board, as well as being able to engage with your customers in much more in-depth ways, thanks to advances such as Zoom CCaaS.

In this sense, what is undoubtedly an unavoidable decision for your business could also turn out to fuel customer and colleague communications, fostering productivity, both now and in the future.

What Will be Affected by the PSTN Switch-Off?

Traditional phone services aren’t the only things that will cease to work if you don’t choose an alternative to analogue lines by 2027. You can also expect a lack of service if any of the following tools are connected to the same lines:

  • Phone systems
  • Outdated broadband setups
  • Payment terminals
  • Fax machines
  • Alarm systems and security systems
  • Door and gate entry systems
  • Emergency lines in lifts

For more information on exactly how the PSTN Switch-off will impact your business – and how new digital technology can help you keep business-critical services active – speak to a member of the Elite Group team today.

The PSTN Switch-Off Timeline

Be one step ahead of the game with key PSTN Switch-Off dates you need to know.

2017

Openreach announces intentions to switch off the PSTN/ISDN in 2027.

2019

Openreach strengthens the fibre network.

2022

Over 200 areas in stop-sale phase - everyone within these areas are unable to add new PSTN/ISDN services.

2023

Nationwide stop-sale by September 2023 - no PSTN services will be available to purchase throughout the UK.

2027

Nationwide stop service - PSTN/ISDN is phased out and all reliant services will become obsolete.

What Can Replace PSTN Services

Cloud Phone Systems (VoIP)

Rather than relying on traditional phone lines to connect calls, cloud phone systems utilise VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) technology that converts analogue voice signals into digital transmissions, so they can be transferred across an internet connection. The ‘cloud’ element stems from the fact that systems are hosted in secure data centres off-site by a third-party provider, saving businesses the time, hassle and cost of needing to install new, expensive hardware.

Unified Communications (UCaaS)

Far more than a simple phone system, unified communications platforms (also cloud-based) present businesses with all the communications tools they need to thrive, including: Voice calls Instant messaging Email Video conference Collaboration tools File transfers By housing everything a colleague needs in a single, easy-to-use app, your team can enjoy seamless comms while boosting productivity.

Contact Centre as a Service (CCaaS)

Similar to unified communications, contact centre as a service (CCaaS) is an all-in-one platform your business can use to interact with customers in whatever format they prefer, including live chat and video conferencing options. It can also be integrated within existing CRM setups, so you have access to all the customer data you need right at your fingertips, letting your team provide the most personalised service possible.

SIP Trunking

Don’t want to replace your existing phone systems? You don’t have to – SIP trunking creates a virtual connection, letting you connect your current PBX to the internet. This allows you to make VoIP calls as well as utilise tools like video conferencing, unified communications and more. It’s cost-effective, quick to install and easy to scale as your business grows.

SOGEA

Created exclusively as an alternative to PSTN services, Single Order Generic Ethernet Access is a “broadband-only” product that still runs on the existing copper wiring. But the key difference is that it only uses them to deliver data, not voice signals. Meaning it will remain immune when the switch-off happens if you adopt a VoIP service for your phone calls, which will rely on your internet connectivity.

Leased Lines

A dedicated, private internet connection for your business, leased lines bypass PSTN lines with their own infrastructure, offering you impressive, symmetrical internet speeds. Because the connection is exclusive to your premises, you won’t struggle with lagging speeds during peak times.

How can the PSTN Switch-Off Benefit Your Business?

The PSTN Switch-Off has the power to kickstart your digital transformation journey.

Lower Costs

Reduced upfront costs and cheaper maintenance and management, compared with legacy, analogue solutions.

Increased Flexibility

Your team can access your solutions from a range of devices in a variety of locations.

Enhanced Features

Digital solutions offer more advanced features for increased productivity.

Easy Scalability

No physical infrastructure to be installed means scaling your solution is simple and you only pay for what you use.

Find the Ideal Mobile and Internet Communications for Your Business Operations with Elite Group

Avoid costly late upgrades and potential loss of business by arming yourself against the PSTN switch off with affordable, future-proof tools from Elite Group. We’ll work with you to discover the perfect solutions to keep your business fully connected with your customers in 2027 and beyond. From digital voice services to business broadband services and beyond, business customers will have everything they need with Elite. Speak to one of our experts today.

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    PSTN FAQs

    Is the ISDN Switch-Off the same as the PSTN Switch-Off?

    Yes. ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) is a digital service that also utilises the PSTN traditional copper wiring. When the PSTN switch-off occurs, ISDN services will also cease. This is why the phrases ‘PSTN switch-off’ and ISDN Switch-Off’ are often used interchangeably.

    Why did the PSTN Switch-Off dates change?

    The PSTN Switch-Off was originally scheduled for 2025. However, as 2025 approached, BT and telecoms companies realised that far too many businesses and households were yet to move to a digital alternative. Had the Switch-Off happened on the originally planned date, the results would have been catastrophic, with communications instantly ceasing for tens of thousands across the UK. Because of this, the Switch-Off was moved to 2027, offering people more time to explore fully digital networks and telephone services.

    Will internal communications be affected by the big PSTN Switch-Off?

    Yes. If your internal business comms system still runs on the traditional copper wiring when the Switch-Off happens, your colleagues will not be able to communicate with each other, nor will your customers be able to reach you if your customer-based comms utilise the same system. Moving to an internet-based alternative to the PSTN network now is the best way to solve this problem ahead of time.

    What if our customers are still using analogue telephone lines?

    If your customers’ landline phones are still connected via the analogue lines, they won’t be able to make or receive calls using these phones after the PSTN Switch-Off. Thankfully, though, millions of British homeowners have already made the right moves by connecting their landline phones to their broadband modems via their existing phone communication provider, meaning their calls are now fully digital and resistant to the effects of the Switch-Off.

    Should I wait until 2027 to move to IP-based solutions?

    No. The 2027 deadline is just that – a deadline for the completion of the project. Work has already started in locations around the UK, with businesses losing access to the PSTN. The time is now to switch to prevent disruption to your business and to find the best deals on new solutions for your business.

    Do I need to replace all my phones and hardware?

    Not necessarily. If you plan on accessing your new VoIP solution via an app, you can access it from a range of devices, including mobile phones, laptops, PCs and tablets, as well as VoIP-ready handsets. If you are still planning on utilising desk phones, then you will need to ensure that you can keep devices connected to the internet or adapt for VoIP via an adapter. If you are not planning on using an app to access your business phone system and your handsets cannot be connected or adapted for VoIP, then you may need to consider replacing your hardware to uphold reliable communications.

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