Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) - Big Switch Off

By the end of January 2027 the traditional fixed phone lines that have powered the majority of the UK’s telecommunication network for the past five-plus decades will be switched off permanently.

This is because the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) don’t have the bandwidth to manage the huge amounts of data passed over them as communication becomes increasingly digital.

With broadband speeds getting ever quicker, communication is now online, and with cloud-based platforms making connections easier and cheaper, PSTN lines have become obsolete.

It’s not just your phone network that will be affected - many more company systems are run using the PSTN and ISDN lines. Entry systems, CCTV networks, fax machines, PSTN alarm systems and even electronic point-of-sale (EPOS) machines are amongst the systems that will no longer work if they’re reliant on PSTN and ISDN lines.

You must start preparing how you’ll adapt to keep these systems operational.  When PSTN is turned off, communication will become internet based and primarily use cloud-based platforms.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) will replace PSTN and ISDN, moving a company’s entire voice, text and video communication onto the internet using a single platform.

By switching now and not leaving it to the last minute, you can get ahead of the game.

• Prepare your business and get ahead of the competition

• Find the right provider and deal for you

• Find the exact system that matches your specification

• Ensure sufficient time to embed throughout your organisation

• Provide a better customer service