Managing Director @ RPS Telecom
“By January 2027, every phone line in the UK will need to run on a digital network. That includes ISDN too. The switch is coming – are you ready?”
For decades, the UK’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) has been the backbone of business communication. Built on copper-wire infrastructure, it supports everything from landline calls to security systems, payment terminals and lift emergency phones.
But technology has moved on. Maintaining this ageing infrastructure is costly and unreliable. As a result, Openreach is retiring the PSTN (and ISDN) network and replacing it with digital, internet-based services.
The deadline is set: January 2027.
After this date, traditional landlines will no longer function. Businesses must migrate to digital solutions such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) to keep their systems running smoothly.
This is more than a simple phone upgrade—it’s a fundamental shift in how UK businesses connect and operate.
The big risk isn’t the switch-off itself—it’s what happens if you ignore it. Businesses that delay face service disruptions, spiralling costs, and rushed decisions that could impact productivity and security.
It’s not just desk phones at risk. Many essential business systems rely on PSTN lines without people even realising:
If you don’t replace or upgrade these, they simply won’t work after the switch-off.
There are more than 5 million business telephone lines in the UK. With just 361 working days until January 2027, that’s over 14,000 migrations every single day to stay on track.
Many businesses think they can wait until the deadline approaches. That’s a dangerous strategy.
Support for analogue systems is already being reduced. The longer you delay, the more likely you are to experience outages or reduced call quality.
If thousands of businesses rush to switch at the last minute, providers will be overwhelmed. Costs will rise, and you may be left with limited, unsuitable options.
A rushed migration could force you into a quick-fix system that doesn’t match your business needs. That means wasted investment and missed opportunities to benefit from modern communication tools.
Your competitors who switch early will already be enjoying the benefits: lower costs, better flexibility, and advanced features that give them an edge.
Despite years of warnings, many businesses still remain sceptical about the PSTN switch-off. That cynicism is understandable – after all, the deadline has been pushed back more than once. But don’t be fooled: the technology is outdated, and the switch will happen.
Here are some of the most common misconceptions we hear, and why they’re dangerous to believe:
Yes. The decision to retire the PSTN isn’t about policy -it’s about practicality. The copper-wire network is decades old, increasingly unreliable, and expensive to maintain. Spare parts are running out, engineers are harder to source, and call quality is falling. Whether it’s 2025 or 2027, the outcome is the same: the PSTN is obsolete and must be replaced.
This links directly to another misconception…
The latest extension may have created a false sense of security. But delays don’t buy businesses more time to act – they simply extend the period of uncertainty. Every day you wait, your competitors who have already switched are enjoying lower costs, better features, and more reliable service.
Many business leaders assume this is just about landline calls. In reality, the switch-off affects:
This isn’t just a communications project – it’s an operational one.
This is one of the most dangerous assumptions. If 5 million business lines need migrating and most wait until the final year, the industry simply won’t cope. That means higher costs, rushed installations, and the risk of choosing technology that isn’t the right fit for your business. Acting early avoids that scramble and puts you in control.
The truth is the opposite. Digital systems are usually cheaper to run, easier to scale, and packed with features PSTN could never offer. The real cost comes from doing nothing—waiting until the last minute, or worse, being caught unprepared when your critical systems stop working.
“Don’t mistake delays for a reprieve. The PSTN switch-off isn’t going away—it’s simply a matter of when, not if.”
Instead of seeing the switch-off as a burden, think of it as an opportunity.
Acting early gives you control. You can:
You’ll avoid stressful disruption to mission-critical services like alarms, lifts, and payment terminals.
Providers have capacity now. The closer to 2027 we get, the tighter the market becomes and the less flexible deals may be.
Switching away from PSTN isn’t just about risk avoidance—it’s about unlocking new advantages.
Digital connections offer improved call quality and reliability (except during power cuts, where a backup plan is recommended).
Modern business phone systems come with features designed for today’s working world:
VoIP is cheaper to run and maintain. You’ll also save on call charges, especially for international calls.
Easily add or remove lines as your business grows or contracts—something that is particularly challenging with legacy PSTN or ISDN systems.
VoIP systems work anywhere there’s an internet connection. Perfect for hybrid or fully remote teams.
“Digital systems aren’t just more reliable. They’re usually cheaper, easier to scale, and packed with features to help your business run more smoothly.”
Think about this:
This isn’t just a technology update. It’s a national infrastructure change—and one your business can’t afford to ignore.
Here’s a practical roadmap to prepare:
Identify everything that relies on PSTN or ISDN—phones, alarms, lifts, payment systems, fax machines.
Work with an expert like RPS Telecom, who understands the risks and can advise on the best digital solutions.
Schedule upgrades in stages to minimise disruption.
Ensure staff are comfortable with the new systems before the old ones are switched off.
Take advantage of enhanced features and ensure your communications strategy supports long-term growth.
The PSTN switch-off is coming, whether we’re ready or not. By January 2027, the UK will be fully digital.
Businesses that wait risk disruption, costs, and missed opportunities. Businesses that act now gain reliability, flexibility, and tools to help them thrive in a digital-first world.
Delaying could mean higher costs, unsuitable technology, and disruption to services you didn’t even realise relied on PSTN.
At RPS Telecom, we help businesses make the transition smoothly. From initial audit to full migration, our team ensures your systems are modern, cost-effective, and tailored to your needs.
Don’t risk your business being left in the dark.
Learn more about the PSTN switch-off and how RPS Telecom can help.
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