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The 2027 PSTN Switch-Off: What Your Business Needs to Do Now

Big news in the world of telecoms — Openreach has officially pushed back the PSTN switch-off date for the old phone network (known as the PSTN) to 31st January 2027. It was originally set for the end of 2025, but after pressure from the industry, they’ve given everyone a bit more breathing room.

Why the delay? It’s mostly about making sure people (especially businesses) have enough time to switch over smoothly to digital phone lines. There were growing concerns that the original deadline was too tight, and this move should help avoid disruption during the rollout.

Wait, what exactly is the PSTN — and why is it going away?

The Public Switched Telephone Network, or PSTN, is the old-school phone system that’s been running in the background for decades. It uses copper wires and analogue signals to carry voice calls — the sort of setup that made landline calls possible long before mobile phones or the internet took over.

But here’s the thing: it’s outdated. The tech behind it was great for its time, but today, most communication happens over digital networks. Calls now often travel over the internet, not physical wires — it’s faster, cheaper, and more reliable.

The old network is also expensive to maintain and can’t keep up with modern demands. That’s why the UK is phasing it out in what’s being called the PSTN switch-off and moving towards all-digital voice services.

So, while 2027 might feel like a long way off, if your business still relies on old phone lines, now’s the time to start planning for the PSTN switch off.

What the extension means in practice

Extending the PSTN switch-off date to 31st January 2027 gives everyone a bit more breathing room — and that’s a good thing. The delay allows for extra testing of digital systems, giving more time to swap out old copper phone lines for modern digital ones, like a VoIP system and broadband-based services.

Here’s how it affects different groups:

For households

If you’re still using a traditional home phone, you’ve now got more time to upgrade. Moving to a digital landline might mean getting new kit or switching to a broadband-based phone service. It’s also worth thinking about power cuts — digital phones need electricity, so having a battery backup or a mobile phone as a fallback is a smart move.

For businesses

If your business still runs on PSTN (especially if you’re using older phone systems) this extension is your chance to get ahead. Take the pressure off by planning early. Review everything that connects to your phone line, from payment terminals to door entry systems, and make sure they’ll still work after the switch.

For providers

Internet and telecom companies now have more time to improve their networks and customer support. That means better help for businesses and households trying to make the switch — including clearer advice on what equipment will still work and what needs upgrading.

And a quick reminder: If you use alarms, lifts, or telecare equipment, speak to your supplier to check it’s compatible with digital phone lines. Not everything that works on the old network will work on the new one.

What businesses should be doing right now

Even though the deadline’s been pushed to 2027, businesses shouldn’t wait around. The sooner you start planning for the PSTN switch off, the smoother it’ll be.

Step one? Audit what you’ve got

Make a list of everything tied to your current phone line — phones, card machines, security systems, fax machines (if you’ve still got one). Anything that runs through a PSTN line needs checking. This will help you spot any weak points before they become a problem.

Next, find the right provider

You’ll want a digital phone system that’s reliable, easy to use, and suited to your setup. Choose a provider that knows what they’re doing when it comes to the PSTN switch off. They should be able to guide you through setup, integration, and troubleshooting.

Switching to digital comes with benefits too:

  • Clearer calls and better uptime
  • Modern features like video calls, call routing, and voicemail-to-email
  • Easier to scale as your business grows
  • And usually, lower running costs than maintaining older systems

It’s not just about avoiding disruption — it’s a chance to upgrade how your business communicates. Getting ahead now means you’ll be ready long before the PSTN switch off hits.

Why switching to digital makes financial sense

Moving from old-school phone lines to digital services isn’t just about keeping up with the times — it’s a smart business move that can save you real money.

For starters, cloud phone systems are usually cheaper to run. You’re not dealing with clunky old hardware, pricey call charges, or costly maintenance. Instead, you’re using internet-based tools that are easier to manage and scale.

Here’s what businesses stand to gain:

  • Lower running costs — digital lines typically cost less than traditional ones
  • No more legacy hardware — fewer breakdowns, less money spent on repairs
  • Useful features built in — things like call analytics, recording, and video calls help teams work smarter
  • Better integration — digital lines work hand-in-hand with other online tools and platforms

So while the PSTN switch off might feel like a hassle, it’s actually an opportunity. Businesses that make the switch now will see cost savings straight away — and be better positioned for whatever comes next.

Staying connected during outages: what you need to plan for

Yes, digital phone lines are more reliable — but no system is bulletproof. As the old PSTN network gets phased out, it’s crucial to have a plan for keeping your business up and running if something goes wrong.

Here’s how to prepare:

  • Pick a provider you trust — make sure they’ve got a good track record with uptime and can support any critical services you rely on
  • Have a backup power option — if your phone system needs electricity, a battery backup can keep it working during power cuts
  • Double-check connected devices — that includes alarm systems, emergency call buttons, or anything used for telecare. These all need to work on a digital setup
  • Create a simple disaster recovery plan — outline how you’ll stay in touch with emergency services, staff, and customers if your main system goes down

It’s all about being prepared. With the right steps in place, you’ll be able to handle any bumps in the road and stay connected — even if the unexpected happens.

How B4BC can make your switch to digital simple and stress-free

At Best 4 Business Communications (B4BC), we know that moving away from the old PSTN system can feel like a big job — but we’re here to make it easy. Whether you’re running a small business or managing a larger operation, we’ll guide you through every step of the PSTN switch off towards a secure, digital system.

We work closely with telecoms providers, phone companies, and even local councils to make sure no one gets left behind — especially those in vulnerable groups. And yes, we always factor in backup plans, mobile access, and emergency comms.

Here’s how we’ll support your business:

  • Comprehensive Review of Current Services: We help you identify all devices and services relying on PSTN, from landline phones to fax machines and alarm systems.
  • Tailored Transition Plans: Our experts will consult with you to discuss the best options and timelines for moving to digital services, ensuring minimal disruption to your business.
  • Upgrade to VoIP and Advanced Broadband Solutions: We offer state-of-the-art VoIP-enabled phones and robust broadband packages, including FTTP, leased lines, and 4G/5G solutions, to ensure seamless communication and connectivity.
  • Enhanced Business Telephone Systems: Our modern business telephone systems integrate seamlessly with digital networks, providing improved functionality and reliability.
  • Expert Installation and Support: With our same-day installation and 24/7 UK-based support, we guarantee a smooth transition with ongoing assistance to address any issues promptly.
  • Customised Contingency Plans: We help you develop contingency plans to minimise disruption during the transition, including temporary communication solutions and backup systems.

Looking ahead

Openreach’s decision to delay the PSTN switch off gives everyone a bit more time — but make no mistake, the change is still coming. 

By January 2027, every phone line in the UK will need to run on a digital network. That includes the ISDN switch off too, another older system that’s also being phased out as more people and businesses shift to internet-based communications.

So, what’s the takeaway? Don’t wait until the last minute.

Switching early puts you in control — it means no last-minute scrambles, no service disruption, and access to better, more flexible tools that legacy phone lines simply can’t offer. Digital systems aren’t just more reliable. They’re usually cheaper, easier to scale, and packed with features designed to help your business run more smoothly.

Need help with the move?

We’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re just starting to plan or already halfway there, B4BC can help you make the switch with confidence.

Visit B4BC or get in touch with our team to chat about your setup and how we can get you future-ready, today.

PSTN switch off FAQs

Because waiting until the last minute is risky. Upgrading your phone systems, checking device compatibility, and switching services takes time, especially for businesses with lots of moving parts. 

Starting early means you can plan properly, avoid downtime, and make the most of modern features long before the deadline hits. It’s not just about avoiding disruption — it’s about setting your business up for the future.

There can be a few, yes. Especially if your setup is older or quite complex. Some older devices (like certain alarm systems or lift lines) might not be compatible with IP straight out of the box. Power cuts can also affect digital phone lines, so you’ll need a backup like a mobile or battery-powered unit. 

The good news? With the right provider and a bit of planning, these challenges are easy to overcome.

In short — yes. IP (Internet Protocol) technology is more modern, more flexible, and often more affordable. It allows voice calls, video, and other communication to travel over the internet, which means clearer call quality, smarter features like voicemail-to-email and call analytics, and better integration with other business tools. 

Unlike PSTN, which relies on ageing copper lines, IP-based systems are future-ready — and far easier to manage and scale.

If your devices rely on a traditional landline (things like desk phones, alarm systems, payment terminals, or even fax machines) they may stop working once the PSTN switch off kicks in. These systems were built for analogue phone lines, so they won’t automatically work on digital networks. 

To stay up and running, you’ll need to check each device and either upgrade it or switch it to a compatible digital alternative. The key is to plan early, so nothing catches you out.