The UK’s traditional telephone network is being switched off at the end of January 2027.
Most businesses have already moved away from older analogue and ISDN services. However, there are still organisations using traditional telephone lines—sometimes without realising how many of their services depend on them.
If your business hasn’t yet made the switch, now is the time to review what you have and move to a suitable digital alternative.
What is the PSTN switch-off?
The Public Switched Telephone Network, usually known as the PSTN, is the traditional copper-based network that has supported UK telephone services for decades.
It is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain, so it is being replaced by modern digital services. Once the PSTN is retired, business calls will normally be delivered over an internet connection using Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP.
The transition is already well underway. Many businesses now use cloud-based phone systems and fibre connectivity without necessarily thinking of them as replacements for the old telephone network.
However, any remaining PSTN and ISDN services need to be identified and replaced before the switch-off.
It may affect more than your telephone system
An old telephone number or handset may be the most obvious sign that your business still uses an analogue line, but other equipment can also rely on the PSTN.
- Alarm and entry systems
- Lift emergency lines
- Fax machines
- Payment terminals
- Door-entry systems
- CCTV equipment
- Older broadband services
- Redcare and other monitoring services
Businesses should check every site, including smaller offices, warehouses and remote locations. A line that rarely appears on the radar can still support an important service.
If you are unsure what a telephone line is being used for, don’t simply cancel it. It should be traced and checked before it is replaced.
What replaces an analogue business phone line?
There isn’t one standard replacement that suits every business.
A small office with a few users may need a straightforward hosted VoIP service. A larger organisation might require a cloud phone system that supports multiple locations, call routing, reporting, mobile working and integration with platforms such as Microsoft Teams.
The underlying internet connection is equally important. Depending on your location, number of users and reliance on connectivity, the right solution could include:
- Full-fibre broadband, or FTTP
- SoGEA broadband
- A dedicated leased line
- 4G or 5G backup connectivity
- A resilient connection using more than one network
Not every analogue device necessarily needs to be replaced. In some circumstances, an Analogue Telephone Adaptor (ATA) can connect existing equipment—such as a lift emergency phone, door-entry system or fax machine—to a digital service. Suitability depends on the equipment, connectivity and resilience requirements, so it must be checked carefully rather than treated as a universal solution. For critical services such as lifts, power backup and continued operation during an internet outage must also be considered.
The objective isn’t simply to recreate an old telephone line using new technology. It is to choose a combination of voice and connectivity services that supports how your business operates today.
What are the benefits of moving to VoIP?
A modern VoIP phone system can provide much more flexibility than a traditional fixed line.
Employees can make and receive business calls from desk phones, computers or mobile devices. Calls can be routed between offices and remote workers, while features such as call recording, voicemail-to-email, reporting and automated call handling are easier to manage.
VoIP can also make it simpler to add users, retain business numbers when relocating and manage several locations through one system.
The precise benefits depend on the platform selected, which is why it is important to compare solutions rather than automatically accepting a like-for-like replacement.
Don’t overlook connectivity and resilience
Because VoIP uses an internet connection, the quality and resilience of that connection matter.
A business that depends heavily on its phone system may need more than a basic broadband service. We can assess available fibre options, expected usage and the impact that an outage would have on your organisation.
Where appropriate, we can also arrange backup connectivity so that an issue with the primary service doesn’t leave the business completely disconnected.
Power resilience should also be considered. Unlike a traditional analogue telephone, routers and VoIP equipment require electricity. Businesses with critical communication requirements may need battery backup, alternative call-routing arrangements or mobile connectivity as part of their solution.
How CMM can help
CMM Telecoms can review your existing telephone lines, phone system and connectivity to establish whether anything still relies on the PSTN.
We can then recommend and arrange the most appropriate replacement, including:
- Hosted VoIP and cloud phone systems
- Microsoft Teams calling solutions
- Business fibre and SoGEA broadband
- FTTP connections
- Dedicated leased lines
- Backup and resilient connectivity
- ATA adaptors for compatible lift lines and other analogue equipment
- Number porting and migration support
As an independent telecoms provider, we aren’t limited to one platform or one type of connection. We can recommend different solutions depending on your users, locations, available connectivity, budget and business requirements.
Most organisations have already started or completed their move to digital services. For those that haven’t, the January 2027 switch-off is now close enough that it shouldn’t be left until the last minute.
Ready to make the switch?
If your business still uses traditional telephone lines—or you’re unsure whether equipment such as lift phones, alarms or door-entry systems will be affected—CMM can help.
We’ll review your existing services and recommend the right combination of VoIP, fibre connectivity and ATA adaptors for your requirements.
Call us on 01252 854352 or email sales@cmmtelecoms.co.uk to discuss your move.
