If you’ve been hearing about the UK’s Big Switch Off and still have some lingering questions, you’re definitely not alone. The phase-out of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) has left many businesses wondering what this change really means for them.
To help you navigate this transition, we’ve pulled together the key questions to make sure your business is fully prepared.
The Big Switch Off refers to the decommissioning of the UK’s PSTN and ISDN networks, which have long been the backbone of landline communications. These older copper-based systems are being replaced with modern, fibre-optic networks. By 2027, businesses and consumers will be required to switch to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and other digital solutions to ensure continued communication services. If you haven’t yet started planning for the switch, now is the time to act.
PSTN is the classic, old-school telephone system that’s been running on copper wires for decades. It’s reliable, but slow and limited, you can only make one call per line at a time, and data transfer speeds are sluggish.
ISDN, on the other hand, was a game-changer when it first launched in the 1980s. It’s a digital system that not only improved call quality, but also enabled faster data transfer and multiple connections on a single line – perfect for businesses needing voice, video, and data all in one. While both systems have served us well, they’re now being phased out in favour of more modern and efficient digital solutions.
If you don’t make the necessary upgrades by the time the switch-off is completed in 2027, your business could face serious disruptions. Your landline phone system will no longer work, and if your broadband relies on PSTN or ISDN, you will lose internet access entirely. Even if the network continues to function for a time, the service will likely experience poor call quality and frequent interruptions, with limited or no maintenance support. In the worst case, emergency services may not be able to reach you if your lines are cut off.
If you want to keep communicating with your team and clients, it’s crucial to switch to a digital phone system, specifically VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). If you haven’t upgraded yet, don’t wait until the last minute. The rush for the whole country to transition will make it harder to secure solutions and engineers when demand peaks. Plus, upgrading takes time, and your team will need training on the new system.
If you’re still using an outdated phone system, now’s the perfect time to modernise with a flexible VoIP solution. Not only will it future-proof your business, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of the many added features VoIP provides that traditional landlines can’t offer.
One of the advantages of upgrading to digital services is that you can keep your existing phone number. This is a major benefit, as you won’t need to update your marketing materials or inform your customers of a change. However, it’s important to check if there are any exceptions, particularly if your business uses special ISDN features that may require additional adjustments.
If your payment terminals (e.g. card readers, POS systems) rely on analogue phone lines, you’ll need to upgrade them. Most modern payment systems are compatible with digital networks, but it’s important to check with your provider to ensure that your payment processing technology won’t be disrupted by the switch-off.
Many businesses have security systems such as alarms and CCTV that rely on the PSTN or ISDN networks to communicate with monitoring centres. These systems will need to be upgraded to a digital alternative to avoid any disruption. Fortunately, most security providers offer solutions that are already digital, but it’s important to check with your supplier to ensure your system is future-proof.
Switching from a PSTN or ISDN contract to a modern Internet Protocol (IP) telephony system will come with some initial costs, but it’s an investment that will pay off in the long run. Many VoIP services are priced on a per-user basis, which means you can save money by only paying for the connections you really need.
There are a variety of solutions to choose from, depending on your business needs. If VoIP isn’t the right fit, you can explore other options like SIP trunking (a digital way of making calls over the internet), Unified Communications (UC), or hosted telephony and contact centre solutions. The best part? As Openreach pushes for more customers to migrate to these future-proof products, you might even find some great deals. But, with the deadline fast approaching, it’s important to act now. Delaying the switch could result in higher prices as demand increases.
If you have any questions, need advice on The Big Switch Off, or want support with updating your Moneypenny divert number, our friendly Client Support team is here to help. Just give us a call on 0345 123 3700, and we’ll make sure your business stays seamlessly connected.
Your own Moneypenny PA to answer calls exactly as if based in your office.
Discover >All the functions and support of an office phone system, minus the hardware.
Discover >
