Why 2025 is the year to prepare for the PSTN switch-off
Last year, it was announced that the PSTN switch-off had been postponed from December 2025 to January 2027. Responding to concerns about the impact on vulnerable individuals, the extension is designed to give customers more time to prepare and the BT group the chance to iron out any issues. For businesses though, now is still the ideal time to prepare for the migration to digital services and start reaping the benefits of a modern system.
What is the PSTN switch-off?
The PSTN switch-off involves retiring the country’s copper network in favour of digital services. Copper telephone lines are being phased out in favor of internet-based alternatives. Broadband previously delivered via telephone lines is moving to the fibre network. This change has been underway for years, and the end date is fast approaching.
Last year, however, the BT Group delayed its plans to retire the network after concerns arose about the impact on emergency care alarms. Telecare devices like alarms and monitoring systems that run over a telephone line are unaffected by power outages. On the other hand, internet-based services depend on power and may fail during a blackout. For this reason, vulnerable individuals might struggle to call for help if their analogue line is removed. By extending the deadline, BT aims to address these issues and ensure a smoother transition for all.
Why migrate?
Beyond the fact that PSTN lines will be obsolete after January 2027, migrating to digital brings numerous benefits, particularly in terms of reliability, flexibility and cost. Services such as VoIP telephony or fibre broadband are cost effective, high quality options. PSTN services are becoming more and more expensive the closer we get to the switch-off date as providers increase their prices to encourage migration and hardware is no longer supported. Therefore, the sooner you upgrade, the sooner you can start seeing cost savings.
(Read more about the benefits of VoIP systems here: How does VoIP work for small business)
Migrating from PSTN to digital is a one-time effort. Once the infrastructure is in place, it will simply be a matter of updating or expanding services as needed. This could include integrating voice services with video, messaging, and conferencing, or upgrading to faster fibre broadband.
What’s more, the wheels are already in motion for the switch-off. PSTN lines can no longer be ordered and analogue broadband services are being phased out to encourage migrations to fibre. While it might be easy to see the extension as a reason to kick the can down the road, using this time wisely will stand you in good stead once the switch off date arrives.
Why act now?
This extension offers an additional 13 months, but time is still limited. Reviewing your services and completing the migration process takes time, so starting early is essential. Migration isn’t as simple as flicking a switch or plugging in new equipment. You’ll first need to assess your existing telecoms setup, identify what requires upgrading, and plan for transitioning to digital systems. This includes evaluating all services, such as alarms or CCTV, that may rely on PSTN lines.
In addition to meeting current needs, consider long-term business requirements. Take advantage of this opportunity to optimise your IT and telecom systems for now and the future. A proactive approach will yield long-term benefits, ensuring your communication strategy is adaptive to changing workplace demands.
The process
Once you’ve identified your needs, allocate sufficient time for a seamless migration. While your provider will handle most of the process, certain steps, like porting numbers or ordering new lines, depend on external factors. Keep in mind that third parties may have their own procedures and timelines, which could impact the migration schedule.
If you’re moving to a VoIP phone system, you’ll need to allow time for the system to bed in, including training your team on how to use it. It’s always sensible to keep your old system running for a month or so while making the switch to avoid any service loss or disruption.
Time to switch
Delaying too long risks being unprepared, which could lead to cost implications and disruptions to your service delivery. Acting early ensures you have a complete, functional solution rather than scrambling for temporary fixes.
At ontel, we remain committed to the original deadline and aim to migrate the majority of our customers by the end of the year. Any exceptions will be handled on a case by case basis, but for the most part, it’s full steam ahead.
In short, it’s time to prepare for the switch-off – and we’re here to help. To understand how the changes will affect you and explore your upgrade options, speak to us today.
