The country’s telephone wires are nearing the end of their life after decades of long service. In 2027, these analogue lines will be switched off and the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) retired. Now, the race is on to replace them with digital alternatives before the deadline.
It’s a significant shift for businesses, as nearly half (43%) rely on fixed landlines, and more than a quarter are unaware that their lines will be affected by the switch-off.1
In this post, we’ll look at how the change will impact businesses and what you can do to prepare.
The background to the 2027 PSTN switch-off
Why is it happening? Internet-connected phone services are more reliable than copper wires and use less energy (35% less energy2). They also offer more features, such as call recording and voicemail to email.
In addition, the parts to repair copper wires are becoming harder to find as an increasing number of manufacturers stop producing them. Switching to IP (Internet Protocol) technology will future-proof the country’s phone connections.
How will this affect your business?
If your business uses a fixed landline, this change will affect you. Anything that plugs into the phone socket in your wall will be impacted, including:
- Phones and lines: analogue phone lines, ISDN2 and ISDN30 lines, broadband that runs over old copper lines
- Safety and security systems: fire, intruder and health alarms, lift emergency phones, door/gate entry systems, CCTV diallers
- Payments and office equipment, like credit card machines.
If your router has an analogue port, then it could be as simple as unplugging your devices from the phone socket on the wall and plugging them into the router. You could also buy an adaptor that converts analogue signals into digital or upgrade your technology.
Need help upgrading your technology? We offer cost-effective VoIP phone packages.
What is VoIP?
Voice over Internet Protocol is a technology that allows you to make voice calls using a broadband internet connection instead of an analogue phone line. This option will outlive the fixed line switch-off.
Thousands of businesses are already using VoIP to simplify their in-house communications. You can use VoIP to make calls, send messages, and hold video conferences – all with a handset that looks familiar to the one you already use. With the right software, you can also use your mobile phone, PC or laptop to make calls. Our CallSwitch One solution from Nebula allows you to do just this.
VoIP v traditional landline
VoIP can increase business productivity by allowing your employees to communicate easily while multitasking.
Traditional landlines can be very expensive, so by replacing them with a VoIP platform, your organisation may be able to reduce business costs.
VoIP solutions can be scaled as your company grows, adapting easily to changing needs.
As VoIP delivers phone services over the internet, it is perfect for supporting a remote and hybrid workforce. Landlines do not offer this flexibility.
Unlike landlines, your team can make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection, on any device.
VoIP solutions can offer advanced features like CRM integrations, voicemail to email transcription, Microsoft Teams voice integration, call recording, reporting and AI call transcription and summaries, which it’s impossible for landlines.
Plan your migration to VoIP
You’ve still got time to prepare before the UK landline switch off. Start by making an inventory of everything you have that plugs into the phone socket on your wall. Check the compatibility of your technology to ensure that it will still work after January 2027.
Once you have a list of the things that need upgrading, research your options. An adaptor may see you through the transition period, but investing in new technology is the better option long term.
We’re here to help you take the next steps. Our friendly staff is on hand to help you choose a phone and VoIP package that suits your business. Contact us today.
1 https://business.bt.com/insights/small-businesses-digital-phone-lines/
2 https://www.kcom.com/business/switchover/
