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Urgent PSTN Switch Off Alert: 7 Steps to Save Your Business Before January 2027
Table of Contents
Preparing for the PSTN Switch Off: What Your Business Needs to Know
The PSTN switch off is happening by 2025, and it will affect every UK business still using traditional landlines, fax machines, card machines, or analogue lines. That might sound technical or irrelevant at first, but this change is big. If your business isn’t ready, you could face major disruption. This blog breaks it all down simply, tells you what it means, and shows you what to do next.
What Is the PSTN and Why Is It Being Switched Off?
The PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) is the system behind landlines and ISDN lines. It’s been in use for over a century, built on copper wiring and analogue tech. If you’ve ever plugged a phone into a wall socket, you’ve used PSTN.
So why switch it off?
- It’s outdated – It was never built for today’s digital needs.
- Expensive to maintain – Keeping copper lines running costs more every year.
- Digital is better – VoIP (internet-based calling) is cheaper, faster, and easier to manage.
The full pstn switch off will happen in January 2027, with key changes already in motion.
Important: Key Dates for the PSTN Switch Off
- September 2023 – Stop-sell begins. You can’t buy new PSTN/ISDN lines.
- Now to December 2025 – Businesses urged to upgrade to digital solutions for a smooth transition period.
- January 2027 – Full PSTN switch off. All analogue lines go dark.
After January 2027, anything still connected to PSTN lines will stop working.
Will My Business Be Affected by the PSTN Switch Off?
If your business uses any of the following, you’ll be affected:
- Standard office landlines
- ISDN phone systems
- Fax machines
- Alarm systems (intruder, fire, etc.)
- Door entry systems
- Lift emergency phones
- Payment terminals using phone lines
- Older ADSL or FTTC broadband
This isn’t just a phone issue. It impacts lots of systems businesses rely on every day.
Why the PSTN Switch Off Is Actually a Good Thing
It might sound like a hassle, but there’s a silver lining. Moving away from PSTN opens up better, cheaper, and more flexible options for your business:
- Future-proof your setup with modern tech.
- Reduce your phone bills with cloud-based VoIP.
- Make remote work easier with portable systems.
- Get rid of bulky on-site hardware.
- Add or remove users easily with scalable solutions.
The sooner you switch, the more you gain.
VoIP: The Natural Replacement for PSTN
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a modern alternative to traditional landlines. It works by sending voice calls over your internet connection instead of copper wires.
Here’s why it makes sense:
- It’s cheaper than PSTN/ISDN.
- It’s flexible – use it on your mobile, laptop, or desk phone.
- It scales easily – perfect for growing businesses.
- It supports remote work – ideal for hybrid teams.
- It comes with features like call analytics, voicemail to email, auto-attendants, and more.
For SMEs, it’s the perfect fit. No need for expensive equipment. Everything runs through the cloud.
How to Prepare Your Business for the PSTN Switch Off
Getting ready doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow these steps:
- Audit your existing setupList all devices using phone lines (including lifts, alarms, card machines).
- Check your broadbandYou’ll need a reliable connection. Upgrade if needed to FTTP (Full Fibre).
- Choose a VoIP providerPick a provider like Qual Limited who understands UK SMEs.
- Port your phone numbersYou can keep your existing numbers when you switch.
- Upgrade devices if neededSome systems (like alarms or lifts) might need digital upgrades.
- Train your teamMake sure everyone knows how to use the new phone system.
- Test everythingDo a full check before the switch off to avoid surprises.
What Happens If You Do Nothing?
Waiting until the last minute is risky. Here’s what could happen:
- Phones go dead
- Alarms stop working
- Card machines fail
- Customers can’t reach you
- Emergency lines (e.g. lifts) stop functioning
- Loss of compliance or service level agreements
This isn’t a situation where you can wait it out. The switch off is coming whether you’re ready or not.
FAQs About the PSTN Switch Off
Will I lose my phone number when I switch?
No. You can port your number to a new digital system.
Do I need new phones?
Not always. Many VoIP systems work with existing phones or softphone apps.
What if my internet goes down?
You can route calls to mobiles or use 4G backup lines.
Are there alternatives to VoIP?
VoIP is the standard replacement. For alarms or lifts, check with your service provider.
Is VoIP secure?
Yes – as long as you use encryption, firewalls, and a trusted provider.
What about card machines?
Speak to your payment provider. Most now offer 4G-enabled devices or IP-based terminals.
Comparison Table: VoIP vs Landline for Business
| Feature | VoIP | Landline |
|---|---|---|
|
Requires Physical Setup |
Easy fast setup |
Installation |
|
Cost |
Low, pay-as-you-grow |
Higher fixed monthly costs |
|
Scalability |
Instantly scalable |
Limited by hardware |
|
Mobility |
Work from anywhere |
Location-based |
|
Features |
Rich feature set |
Basic calling only |
|
Integration |
With CRM/365/etc. |
Minimal |
|
PSTN Dependency |
No |
|
|
Maintenance |
Remote management |
Manual, on-site |
|
AI Assistant* |
|
No |
*AI Assistant is a feature from some of our VoIP partners
Don’t Wait – Start the Switch with Qual Limited
At Qual Limited, we’ve helped businesses across the UK move away from PSTN with no drama. We’ll do a full audit, recommend the right VoIP or digital solutions, and handle the migration from start to finish.
Whether you’re a small office or multiple-site setup, our friendly team will help you:
- Stay compliant
- Cut phone bills
- Keep your number
- Avoid downtime
The January 2027 deadline isn’t going away. But you don’t have to panic. Let’s get your business future-ready.
Let your Account Manager Get Your Licenses Now
Discover our VoIP vs Landline comparison guide to get started.
Qual Limited: Your Trusted IT Fulfilment Partner
At Qual Limited, we specialise in streamlining IT procurement and fulfilment for businesses of all sizes. Our approach includes:
- A dedicated Personal Account Manager to handle your IT needs
- End-to-end procurement support, from vendor selection to delivery
- Strategic cost-saving solutions tailored to your budget
- Access to an extensive network of global IT vendors
With 30 years of experience, we understand the challenges of IT procurement and provide customised solutions to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce costs, and improve IT fulfilment speed.
Book a Consultation & Optimise Your IT Procurement Today
IT procurement doesn’t have to be complex. Qual Limited simplifies the entire process, ensuring you get the right IT solutions at the right price, without the usual frustrations and delays.
Book a consultation today with your dedicated Personal Account Manager and discover how we can streamline IT procurement, enhance efficiency, and drive cost savings.
Book your consultation now and take the stress out of IT procurement with Qual Limited
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