Did you know that the UK’s traditional copper land-line network (PSTN), built for analogue voice calls, is being retired?

Here’s what that means for your business: if you’re still relying on old landlines, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) or analogue systems, there’s a real risk of disruption.

Key deadlines you need to know:

• The network operator Openreach (part of BT Group) and other UK providers have set the final switch-off date of 31 January 2027 for the full retirement of the PSTN/ISDN network.
• However, you should treat the end of December 2025 as a critical deadline for migration to digital voice services, to avoid a last-minute rush and risk of disruption.
• Stop-sell for new PSTN/ISDN services has already started. Don’t get left behind.

Why this matters for your business:

• Legacy PSTN and ISDN infrastructure is ageing, fragile and harder to maintain. It’s time for it to go.
• Many devices and systems depend on PSTN: landlines, alarm systems, payment terminals, lifts/intercoms, and telecare/monitoring equipment. If you don’t migrate, you may find that critical elements of your business stop working.
• Switching early gives you access to modern telecoms: VoIP, cloud-based systems, mobile integration, and remote working features, keeping you future-proof.
• Waiting until the deadline is risky: engineering capacity will be stretched, costs may rise, and you’ll leave little margin for error. You won’t be the only one waiting until the last minute!

What you should do now: your PSTN checklist

1. Audit your systems: Identify all your lines/devices that use PSTN/ISDN (phones, fax lines, alarms, card machines, etc).
2. Check dependencies: Are there any critical services (fire-alarms, telecare, broadband) reliant on analogue lines?
3. Talk to your telecoms provider: Ask what migration options they offer, such as VoIP, SIP-trunking, or cloud telephony.
4. Plan the migration: Choose a timescale, consider testing, ensure staff are trained, and systems are switched over smoothly.
5. Backup & resilience: Digital voice services often depend on broadband and power – ensure you have a plan for outages/failures.
   Act early, don’t wait: With December 2025 rapidly approaching as a practical target, you’re best making a move sooner rather than later.

Do you need help making the switch? Get in touch for a no-obligation consultation. We’ll help you figure out what you need to do, and when.

Get in touch: https://bit.ly/3ryncbJ