The way businesses communicate is changing faster than most leaders realise. For decades, traditional landline phones connected over the UK’s public switched telephone network (PSTN) were a staple of workplace communication. That era is now coming to an end. The PSTN, built on copper wires and circuit-switched technology, is being retired across the UK because it is old, expensive to maintain, and no longer capable of supporting modern digital communications.

By January 2027, all services running over the PSTN and related legacy technologies such as ISDN will be switched off completely. This means traditional landline phones, many alarm systems, and some broadband connections that rely on copper phone lines will stop working unless they are migrated to digital alternatives. This is not a gradual decline. It is a hard switch-off that will affect businesses of every size.

What replaces PSTN? VoIP and digital voice

The replacement for the old network is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). This is digital telephony that carries calls over an internet connection rather than analogue copper lines. VoIP is also referred to as digital voice or all-IP telephony.

For businesses, this shift is more than a technical migration. It is an opportunity to rethink how voice communication fits into wider operations. Desk-bound phones are giving way to systems that support hybrid working, remote teams, and multi-site organisations without sacrificing professionalism or reliability.

Why this matters for your business

The PSTN switch-off is not optional. After the deadline, lines that have not been migrated will simply stop working. This can disrupt reception desks, customer service teams, security and alarm systems, payment terminals, and remote office connectivity.

Planning the transition properly

Not every organisation will approach the switch-off in the same way. Working with an experienced communications partner ensures the transition is handled methodically, without disruption, and with a clear view of long-term value.

Do you still rely on old PSTN lines?

Get in touch with us for a no-obligation consultation, and we’ll help you find the best solution for your business: https://www.jellycoms.co.uk/contact-us/book-a-session/