The PSTN phone network is due to be switched off in 2025. That's important for your business because it's likely that your phone lines still run on that network.
UPDATE: BT recently announced that the deadline for the Switch Off will be pushed back to 2027. While this gives you longer to future-proof your business, we'd still recommend upgrading your systems now - keep on reading to discover why!
You may have already noticed that new PSTN lines cannot be added to your current system. That's because a nationwide 'Stop Sell' of PSTN services was initiated in September 2023, which was the last step before the final deactivation that had previously been planned for December 2025.
However, on May 16th 2024, BT mentioned in its financial reports that it was now expecting to “have migrated all customers off the PSTN by the end of January 2027”, instead.
The PSTN is being deactivated because maintaining the ageing phone network is just too expensive.
Thankfully, new internet-based calling technologies, such as VoIP Unified Communication and CCaaS, provide a much better experience and far better value for money!
The copper PSTN network is also used for low-bandwidth internet connectivity and periphery services like CCTV cameras and lone worker alarms.
The more environmentally friendly, high-bandwidth Full Fibre network (also known as FTTP or Fibre to the Premises) is an ideal upgrade for these scenarios, providing the scalability to increase speeds as the business' demands grow.
The good news is that your business has plenty of options that are much better value than PSTN-based voice and internet services, offering far more features for a similar price.
For example, a low-cost VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solution, like Virtual Landline Office, offers a much wider range of features for potentially less than you were paying for your current calling solution.
You can significantly upgrade your internet service too, by switching to Full Fibre which delivers speeds up to 1Gbps. That's 1,000 Mbps, which is up to 67x the speeds of a PSTN copper internet connection!
Between now and 31st January 2027, you'll need to upgrade your existing PSTN-based services and train your team on how to get the most from the new systems you put in place.
The first step is knowing whether your business has any PSTN-based services. Audit all your systems, and check your monthly bills to.
Then, you'll need to decide what services will replace them and get them deployed before the end of 2027.
Depending on how complex your business' communications and connectivity systems are, this could be a matter of days, weeks or months. So, don't hesitate to get in touch if you need some support in the meantime.
If you're not sure how to check whether your internet and phone systems are PSTN-based, don't worry!
All you need to do is give our team a call and we'll find out for you.
If you know your business is currently using PSTN-based services, we'd recommend you list out all of them and get in touch for us to advise you on the best way to future-proof them before the deadline gets any closer!
Explore how our VoIP Business Phone System can keep you connected anywhere, anytime.
I've just taken the leap from phone number owner to phone system owner. I couldn't of wished for anyone better to hold my hand as I navigated a new world of features and benefits. Big thanks to Mike for helping me on my way. The team and business are already feeling the benefits after a few days.
Our recent switch to a new Virtual Landline call management system was expertly managed by Kieran. The transfer was seamless and the follow-up call to go through the use of the features and the benefits of the new system was on point. Please be assured to anyone reading this review, you can not go wrong choosing Virtual Landline as your VOIP service provider.
A simple straightforward process with excellent value packages. I know as my business grows that there are opportunities for this service to grow with me.
Really appreciated the assistance of a real person on the other end of a phone …. Very helpful and the port over was very smooth. Did everything it said it would