PSTN Switch-Off: The Complete Business Guide (Deadline 2027)

The UK’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is being switched off on 31 January 2027. This digital switchover is the end of traditional copper-wired phone lines.

This digital switchover is the biggest technology change in decades and will affect everyone, including businesses. Many people don’t realise that broadband, CCTV, and other internet-based technology could also be affected.

This guide outlines what is going to happen and how businesses can prepare now to avoid future disruption.

What is PSTN, and why is it being switched off?

The PSTN is the phone network we have used for many years, and it runs on copper wires. While it has served us well, it is now outdated, costly to maintain, and cannot keep up with modern needs. It is also slower and less reliable than newer options.

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Why the PSTN switch-off matters

You might believe the switch-off will not affect your business, but many services still depend on traditional landlines. These include fax systems, alarms, card machines, and older broadband like ADSL or FTTC. Many businesses continue to use this technology.

BT Openreach is retiring the network so the UK can move fully to digital IP-based voice and fibre broadband solutions. By the final switch-off in 2027, every line that still relies on copper will stop working.

Key PSTN Switch-Off Dates

BT Openreach Announcement - November 2017

BT Openreach announced that it plans to switch off the network. The original date was December 2025 before being pushed back to 2027.

Stop Sell Starts – December 2020 - September 2023

Stop sell starts being phased in. Many areas have started to stop selling older PSTN & ISDN lines.

Stop Sell – September 2023

No new PSTN-related services can be ordered anywhere in the UK.
This includes:

Traditional landlines
Analogue phone systems
FTTC/ADSL broadband using PSTN

Mandatory Transition – 2024–2026

Businesses must migrate to digital services. Replacement lines, VoIP and fibre broadband are now the only options available.

Final Switch-Off – 31 January 2027

All PSTN-based lines are permanently disabled.

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Which Business Services Will Be Affected?

The switch-off doesn’t only impact landline calls. Any device using the copper line will stop working unless upgraded.

Services affected:

Landline phone systems (PBX, ISDN2/ISDN30)
FTTC/ADSL broadband
Fax machines
Door entry/intercom systems
Security & fire alarms
Payment terminals & card machines
Lift lines & emergency phones
CCTV systems connected via copper lines
Telecare & healthcare devices

If your business uses any of the above, you must check compatibility and upgrade ahead of time.

What Will Replace the PSTN?

There are a few options for businesses to transition through, and some may already have these modern services.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
VoIP phones make calls using the internet instead of copper phone lines. There are a bunch of benefits to this digital switchover.
- Lower monthly costs
- Higher call quality
- Flexible remote working
- Advanced call management
- Easily scalable
- No hardware-intensive PBX required
Full-Fibre Broadband (FTTP)
The ideal broadband replacement for businesses moving off copper.
- Gigabit speeds
- Higher reliability
- Better security
- Supports VoIP, cloud apps, Teams/Zoom, CRM systems
SoGEA Broadband

Single Order Generic Ethernet Access. This is a great bridge to new technology, as this copper/fibre hybrid broadband does not require a phone line.

A strong option in areas without FTTP availability.

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How the PSTN Switch-Off Impacts Small Businesses

Many small businesses still rely on older analogue systems without realising it. The switch-off can interrupt operations if not handled early.

Risks of not preparing:

No incoming or outgoing calls
Card payments failing
Alarms or CCTV systems not working
Loss of broadband connection
Downtime impacting staff & customers
Emergency lines disabled

Small businesses most affected include:

Shops & retail
Warehouses
Care homes
Restaurants & hospitality
Offices using traditional PBX
Tradesmen using analogue alarms/monitoring

How to Prepare Your Business

List all devices using your phone line

Phones (do you have a landline phone?)
Broadband (is this fibre to the cabinet only?)
Alarms
Payment terminals
Lift lines
Monitoring services

Check Which Services Must Be Upgraded

Speak with your alarm provider, payment processor or IT support to confirm compatibility.

Switch to VoIP for Calling

VoIP works with:

Desk phones
Softphones
Mobile apps
Cloud PBX systems

We can help you find a VoIP phone solution.

Upgrade to FTTP or SoGEA Broadband

Choose a connection that supports digital communication reliably. There’s going to be a mad rush in 2026 as the January 2027 date approaches. You don’t want to find yourself on a long wait list for installation.

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Why Switch to Digital Now?

Upgrading ahead of the PSTN switch-off offers long-term advantages, including faster internet speeds, better security, lower costs, future-proof communications, reduced equipment maintenance costs, and better customer experience. We're here to help your business transition to digital.

Click here to get a broadband and phone line quote before the last-minute rush.

PSTN Switch-Off FAQs

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Will my landline stop working?

Yes. All traditional landline services will stop on 31 January 2027.
Do I need full-fibre to use VoIP?

FTTP is recommended, but VoIP works with SoGEA and high-speed FTTC (if still active in your area).
Will my alarm or CCTV stop working?

If they run on copper lines, yes. Check with your supplier.
Can I keep my existing business phone number?

Yes — numbers can be ported to VoIP.
What if my area doesn’t have FTTP yet?

SoGEA is the main digital-ready alternative.