Managing Director @ RPS Telecom
The UK telecoms industry is entering its final transition away from legacy copper networks. With the PSTN switch off scheduled for January 2027 and Openreach confirming steep price increases on copper-based services, businesses that continue to rely on traditional phone lines face rising costs, declining reliability, and unnecessary risk.
At RPS Telecom, we’re helping businesses move away from legacy copper by migrating to full fibre broadband and VoIP phone systems -modern, digital alternatives built for long-term performance and value.
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is the analogue phone network that has supported UK landlines for decades. As part of the UK’s digital transformation, this ageing infrastructure is being permanently retired.
From January 2027, PSTN and ISDN services will no longer operate. This affects:
For businesses still using PSTN or ISDN, migration is now essential – not optional.
To accelerate the move to digital connectivity, Openreach has announced phased wholesale price increases on copper-based products, including Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) services.
The confirmed increases are:
By autumn 2026, these changes will effectively double the cost of traditional copper line rental, well ahead of the PSTN switch off in 2027.
The message from Openreach is clear:
Legacy copper services are being phased out and priced out.
For businesses, remaining on copper will soon mean paying significantly more for technology that is approaching end of life.
As investment shifts away from copper infrastructure, legacy services are becoming increasingly unreliable and costly to maintain. Businesses relying on copper phone lines face:
With prices rising and performance declining, copper services no longer offer value for money.
The PSTN switch off and Openreach price rises create a clear opportunity to upgrade to modern digital connectivity.
Full Fibre Broadband (FTTP)
VoIP
In many cases, VoIP and fibre broadband already cost less than copper-based services, even before the Openreach price increases take effect.
Identify all PSTN, ISDN and analogue connections, including hidden or critical lines used for alarms or backup services.
Full fibre rollout is expanding rapidly across the UK. Where FTTP isn’t yet available, SOGEA and digital voice solutions offer an effective interim alternative.
Early action helps businesses avoid:
RPS Telecom provides end-to-end support for businesses preparing for the PSTN switch off:
✔ PSTN and ISDN migration planning
✔ Business VoIP phone systems
✔ Full fibre broadband and leased lines
✔ Backup connectivity and resilience solutions
✔ UK-based expert support
We focus on future-proof connectivity, not short-term fixes.
With Openreach’s copper price increases starting in April 2026 and the PSTN switch off in January 2027, delaying action will only increase cost and risk.
Businesses that migrate early can:
Speak to RPS Telecom today to assess your current services and plan a smooth transition to full fibre broadband and VoIP.
RPS Telecom
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