The Big PSTN Switch Off
Are you ready to go digital?
By the end of 2025, the UK will be switching off the analogue public switched telephone network (PSTN), replacing it with digital, internet-based services.
What’s happening?
The UK’s telephone network is going digital. The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is scheduled to be switched off on 31st December 2025, and traditional landline connections will be replaced with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services.
The PSTN is the analogue copper cable telephone network that’s been in use since 1876. As well as landline services, the PSTN also provides standard ADSL and fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) broadband services via fibre optic cables.
The replacement, VoIP, is entirely digital and uses your internet connection to transmit voice calls and data. It’s the same tech that’s used for messaging and video call services like Skype and WhatsApp.
When will the Switch Off happen?
- Autumn / Winter 2023 – London and the North West
- Spring 2024 – the South East, West Midlands, East Anglia and Wales
- Summer 2024 – the North East, South West and Scotland
The ‘stop sell’ came into effect across the UK in September 2023 and every broadband provider has stopped selling copper cable-based traditional landlines. This means you’re no longer able to buy a traditional phone line or add features to your existing plan.
From 1st January 2026 onwards, all calls will be hosted via the internet.
What do I need to do?
If you haven’t already been migrated, at some point before December 2025 you’ll need to move from PSTN to a digital, internet-based service. To ensure you don’t temporarily lose service, you should do this ahead of the Switch Off.
According to BT, customers will be contacted at least four weeks ahead of any switching over taking place in their region.
Trinsic can help you make sure you have everything in order before the switch off happens in your area.
Benefits of VoIP Services
Connect Anywhere and Everywhere
Our business phone solution ensures constant connectivity. Whether your team works onsite or remotely, they can effortlessly call, connect, and collaborate.
Value and Flexibility
Moving to VoIP opens the door to huge savings. It also gives you the flexibility because you can take and manage calls; anytime, anywhere and from any device – meaning you’ll never miss an important call again!
Features and Integration
VoIP seamlessly integrates with business applications, creating a unified communication platform that streamlines workflow and boosts efficiency. Advanced features like call forwarding further enhance communication versatility.
Speak with an Expert
Trinsic supports businesses across the UK and Globally with robust communications and connectivity solutions that suit your exact requirements.
Get in touch to find out if your business is ready for the PSTN Switch Off, and explore options for upgrading your communications systems.
Our partnerships with world-class suppliers allows us to secure our customers the best value plans, without sacrificing quality.
PSTN Frequently Asked Questions
When does the PSTN Switch Off start?
As of the 5th September 2023, BT Openreach initiated the first phase of the PSTN Switch Off with the national stop-sell of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). This means that BT Openreach are no longer offering new PSTN-based services. It’s important to understand that you can continue using pre-existing legacy PSTN services until the complete Switch Off in 2025. However, during this period, you will not be able to purchase any new services or modify any existing services that rely on ISDN or PSTN.
Why is the PSTN Switch-Off happening?
As PSTN has formed the infrastructure for UK telecommunications the 1800s, unsurprisingly it has become antiquated and costly to maintain. BT Openreach are switching off the PSTN and ISDN network to pave the way for a fully digital network which can meet the demands of the new digital era.
What does the PSTN Switch-Off mean to my business?
The PSTN Switch Off will affect all businesses currently operating using PSTN and ISDN services. If you fall into this category, you will need to move to the new network by 2025 to keep your communication services operational.
When should businesses switch their services from the PSTN?
The PSTN Switch Off will affect all businesses currently operating using PSTN and ISDN services. If you fall into this category, you will need to move to the new network by 2025 to keep your communication services operational.
What if your business has a phone and internet connection?
If your business relies on both phone and internet services provided through the PSTN, the transition to VoIP and fibre broadband is even more crucial. Whether you need fibre broadband or phone services, Gamma can help in both instances.
Will the PSTN Switch Off affect a business internet connection?
VoIP technology has revolutionised conventional communication, surpassing the capabilities of PSTN and ISDN services with more cost-effective and advanced features. VoIP leverages an existing internet connection for phone calls. Initially, this solution appeared risky, as it heavily relied on the quality of the internet connection to ensure stable calls.
Today, most broadband services provide sufficient speed to mitigate concerns related to call quality. VoIP telephony is a simpler choice than it may seem, demanding far less hardware than PSTN and ISDN services.
VoIP presents a versatile option that can be utilised across a range of devices, spanning from traditional desk phones to mobile devices, tablets, and computers.
What are VoIP services?
If you are still using ADSL, ADSL2+* or have a FTTC internet connection that runs over an analogue PSTN telephone line then you will need to upgrade your internet connection.
If you have already upgraded to SoGEA, have a full fibre FTTP connection or if your business uses a dedicated leased line then you should not be impacted by the PSTN Switch Off but we would recommend checking in any event.
*Available until March 2024 – UK ADSL Stop Sell – only applicable to areas where SoGEA / FTTP is unavailable.
How will the 2025 Switch Off impact devices connected to the PSTN?
All technology that uses the PSTN network will be impacted. The transition will affect services such as security and fire alarms, telecare devices, and retail payment terminals and any other devices that rely on the PSTN. These services depend on certain PSTN features not entirely replicated in VoIP platforms, potentially impacting residential, commercial, and public sector users. Manufacturers have utilised BT’s testing facility to adapt their equipment to the new All IP network, and a list of those who have completed testing can be found.
If you are unsure about how a device in your business might be affected, we recommend you contact the equipment supplier or device manufacturer to find out whether it will remain functional on a digital phone line. If you are buying a new alarm or device, you should check it is compatible with VoIP services.
Will the PSTN Switch Off affect emergency 999 calls?
Emergency services that rely on PSTN connections will be impacted by the Switch Off. Telecoms companies are required by Ofcom to take all necessary measures to ensure uninterrupted access to emergency organisations for their customers, including in the event of a power cut. For most customers, telecoms companies recommend using a mobile phone as a backup in case of a power cut. If you live somewhere where there’s no signal, in the UK, national roaming is enabled in order to make emergency calls. This means you can use any mobile phone network to contact the emergency services, even if you are not a customer. You may see the message ‘Emergency calls only’ displayed on your handset if this is the case.