The Analogue Phoneline Switch Off is Coming
The PSTN switch-off is already underway. What does this mean for your business? The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is being phased out, with a complete shutdown planned for January 2027.
This means all existing phone lines and broadband connections in the UK must be upgraded to a fully digital service that uses Internet Protocol (IP) over a fibre-based network. The IT Geeks team is here to help your business navigate this transition and ensure you are ready for the switch off.
What is the PSTN switch off?
The PSTN, the traditional copper based phone network, is being retired. It is old, increasingly unreliable and cannot support the demands of modern communication. A more resilient, fibre-based network is replacing it.
This means traditional analogue, digital phone lines, ISDN phone systems and older Broadband connections like ADSL and FTTC are becoming obsolete.
Openreach is upgrading local telephone exchanges across the UK to a Full-Fibre Network for faster, more reliable and cost effective connectivity. Now is the time to upgrade your telecoms and connectivity to ensure your business is ready for the all digital future.
What is the PSTN Stop Sell?
The PSTN Stop Sell came into effect on 5th September 2023. This means that providers across the UK can no longer sell traditional phone lines or FTTC broadband. You also cannot make any changes to your existing legacy phone systems.
The PSTN stop sell affects not only phone services but also any equipment that relies on the PSTN such as alarms, EPOS Machines, Door Entry Systems and CCTV. These will all need to be upgraded to alternative solutions.
So why is the PSTN being switched off?
The PSTN is outdated and expensive to maintain. It is unable to handle the increasing demand for Faster Speeds and Greater Bandwidth. The UK is moving towards a Digital Future and that requires a modern, reliable network.
Are you ready for the PSTN Switch Off 2027?
Contact IT Geeks to discuss the PSTN Switch Off 2027
When is the Switch Off going to happen?
The final Switch Off is scheduled for January 2027. Openreach is working hard to replace every connection in the UK with fibre by this date. The migration is already well underway and in many areas it is no longer possible to purchase copper-based PSTN Services.
How will my business be affected?
If your business still uses ISDN/PSTN phone lines or broadband, you need to upgrade to fibre-based technology. Legacy systems won't work after the Switch Off.
So what do I need to do?
Although the complete Switch Off isn't until 2027, you cannot afford to wait. Many areas of the UK already have a stop sell on new ISDN or PSTN-based services.
You need to transition your phone system to an IP (VoIP) solution and your broadband to a fibre-based solution. Upgrading now allows you to take advantage of the benefits of hosted telephony and fibre connectivity sooner rather than later.
PSTN Switch Off
Frequently Asked Questions
Openreach is switching off the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) in January 2027. This means all UK phone lines will transition to a fully digital network using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) over fibre. This affects all phone lines and broadband, with existing copper lines being replaced by a nationwide fibre network. While the final switch-off is in 2027, many areas are already transitioning, and businesses should consider switching to fibre and IP services sooner rather than later.
Traditional analogue and digital phone lines, ISDN systems, and older internet connections like ADSL and FTTC are becoming obsolete. If your business uses any of these, you need to upgrade to a full fibre connection and a VoIP-based phone system.
The PSTN stop sell came into effect on 5th September 2023. This means providers can no longer sell traditional phone lines or FTTC broadband. You also can't make any changes to your existing legacy phone systems.
To avoid disruption, you need to upgrade to fibre-based telecoms and internet solutions as soon as possible. Don't wait until the last minute! Upgrading now lets you take advantage of the benefits of VoIP services sooner.
PSTN is the old analogue phone system that uses copper lines. It's been around for decades, but it's outdated and expensive to maintain. VoIP uses the internet to make calls, which is much more efficient and cost-effective.
There are many different VoIP business phone systems available. IT Geeks can help you assess your needs and choose the best system for your business. We offer a wide range of VoIP phone systems for businesses of all sizes and can help you make a smooth transition to an all-IP future.
No. You can keep your existing phone number when you switch to VoIP.
Important Note:
The PSTN switch-off is happening now. Don't wait until it's too late to upgrade your systems. Contact IT Geeks today to find out how we can help you make a smooth transition to the all-digital future.