GET READY TO SWITCH. NOT BE SWITCHED OFF.

The PSTN Switch Off: Your Questions Answered

The PSTN switch off is coming.

January 2027 will mark the end of analogue phone lines as we know them. For businesses still relying on these traditional lines, this is a crucial moment.

Without making the switch to digital landlines, your business could face severe disruptions, including the potential loss of valuable customers.

Now is the time to act. Transitioning to a digital landline system isn’t just about keeping your phones ringing. It’s about future-proofing your business, maintaining seamless communication, and staying ahead of the competition.

At CTR, we specialise in helping businesses like yours make this essential transition smoothly and efficiently.

Explore our FAQ to learn more about the PSTN switch off and how we can support your journey to going digital.

PSTN Switch Off FAQ

What is the PSTN?

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is the network of copper wires and telephone exchanges that’s been used for decades to carry voice calls between landlines.

It operates using analogue technology. And it’s the backbone of the standard landline system that many businesses and homes have relied on for years.

However, as technology has evolved, the PSTN has become outdated. Hence, BT is phasing it out.

What is the PSTN Switch Off?

The PSTN switch off refers to the shutdown of the traditional analogue phone network.

By 31 January 2027, all PSTN services, including standard landlines, fax lines, and some broadband connections, will be completely phased out. They will be replaced by digital alternatives like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and other internet-based communication systems.

The original switch off date was scheduled for December 2025. However, given the scale of the change, BT has extended the deadline to January 2027.

This change is part of a shift towards digital technologies that are more reliable and offer enhanced features.

The switch-off means that businesses using analogue phone lines must upgrade to avoid losing their phone service altogether.

It’s not just an upgrade. It’s a necessary step to keep your business connected and competitive in the digital age.

When is the PSTN Switch Off?

The PSTN switch off will happen on 31st January 2027.

What is the PSTN?

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is the network of copper wires and telephone exchanges that’s been used for decades to carry voice calls between landlines.

It operates using analogue technology. And it’s the backbone of the standard landline system that many businesses and homes have relied on for years.

However, as technology has evolved, the PSTN has become outdated. Hence, BT is phasing it out.

What is the PSTN Switch Off?

The PSTN switch off refers to the shutdown of the traditional analogue phone network.

By 31 January 2027, all PSTN services, including standard landlines, fax lines, and some broadband connections, will be completely phased out. They will be replaced by digital alternatives like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and other internet-based communication systems.

The original switch off date was scheduled for December 2025. However, given the scale of the change, BT has extended the deadline to January 2027.

This change is part of a shift towards digital technologies that are more reliable and offer enhanced features.

The switch-off means that businesses using analogue phone lines must upgrade to avoid losing their phone service altogether.

It’s not just an upgrade. It’s a necessary step to keep your business connected and competitive in the digital age.

When is the PSTN Switch Off?

The PSTN switch off will happen on 31st January 2027.

isdn and pstn switch off

We are almost finished migrating over 60 locations from physical PBX’s and traditional ISDN lines to hosted VOIP handsets. As an organisation we were extremely conscious of the analogue/ISDN switch off and wanted to be ahead of the curve. The team at CTR guided us to ensure this was done as smoothly as possible and ensuring there was no risk to our business operations.

Matthew King, IT Manager, Avery Care Homes

isdn and pstn switch off

We are almost finished migrating over 60 locations from physical PBX’s and traditional ISDN lines to hosted VOIP handsets. As an organisation we were extremely conscious of the analogue/ISDN switch off and wanted to be ahead of the curve. The team at CTR guided us to ensure this was done as smoothly as possible and ensuring there was no risk to our business operations.

Matthew King, IT Manager, Avery Care Homes

What does the PSTN Switch Off mean?

The PSTN switch off means that ANY equipment that currently uses the PSTN will stop working.

The changeover doesn’t just affect voice services. It also includes alarms, CCTV, door entry systems, and EPOS machines, for example.

You may also need to upgrade your broadband before the switch off date.

Why is BT switching off the PSTN?

BT realises the importance of modernising the UK’s communication infrastructure.

The analogue technology that powers PSTN and ISDN lines is outdated. It’s also expensive to maintain, and unable to meet the growing demands of today’s digital world.

By transitioning to fully digital networks, BT aims to provide more reliable, flexible, and scalable services. These will support advanced communication needs, such as high-definition voice, video calls, and seamless data integration.

Digital alternatives, like VoIP, offer significant advantages that analogue lines simply cannot match.

The switch-off is also part of a broader trend across Europe and globally. Countries want to modernise their networks to keep pace with technological advancements.

Ultimately, the PSTN switch-off is about embracing the future of communication.

This will ensure businesses and consumers have access to superior, future-proof technologies that drive better connectivity.

Can I still have a landline?

Yes, you’ll still be able to have a landline, but it will need to be a digital landline not an analogue one.

Digital landlines use an internet connection (broadband) to make and receive calls.

What's a digital landline?

Digital landlines are often referred to as VoIP phones, IP phones or SIP phones. They come in all shapes and sizes.

Once your provider has initiated your handset, you can literally plug it in, connect it to the WiFi and you’re ready to go.

You no longer need your phone to be next to a phone socket. A power supply and internet connection is sufficient.

Digital landlines have plenty of great features, including:

  • Exceptional HD sound.
  • Built-in WiFi and bluetooth.
  • Call hold, forward and transfer.
  • One-touch speed dial.
  • Call return and auto answer.
  • Conferencing.
  • Smart dialling. The list goes on.

What does the PSTN Switch Off mean?

The PSTN switch off means that ANY equipment that currently uses the PSTN will stop working.

The changeover doesn’t just affect voice services. It also includes alarms, CCTV, door entry systems, and EPOS machines, for example.

You may also need to upgrade your broadband before the switch off date.

Why is BT switching off the PSTN?

BT realises the importance of modernising the UK’s communication infrastructure.

The analogue technology that powers PSTN and ISDN lines is outdated. It’s also expensive to maintain, and unable to meet the growing demands of today’s digital world.

By transitioning to fully digital networks, BT aims to provide more reliable, flexible, and scalable services. These will support advanced communication needs, such as high-definition voice, video calls, and seamless data integration.

Digital alternatives, like VoIP, offer significant advantages that analogue lines simply cannot match.

The switch-off is also part of a broader trend across Europe and globally. Countries want to modernise their networks to keep pace with technological advancements.

Ultimately, the PSTN switch-off is about embracing the future of communication.

This will ensure businesses and consumers have access to superior, future-proof technologies that drive better connectivity.

Can I still have a landline?

Yes, you’ll still be able to have a landline, but it will need to be a digital landline not an analogue one.

Digital landlines use an internet connection (broadband) to make and receive calls.

What's a digital landline?

Digital landlines are often referred to as VoIP phones, IP phones or SIP phones. They come in all shapes and sizes.

Once your provider has initiated your handset, you can literally plug it in, connect it to the WiFi and you’re ready to go.

You no longer need your phone to be next to a phone socket. A power supply and internet connection is sufficient.

Digital landlines have plenty of great features, including:

  • Exceptional HD sound.
  • Built-in WiFi and bluetooth.
  • Call hold, forward and transfer.
  • One-touch speed dial.
  • Call return and auto answer.
  • Conferencing.
  • Smart dialling. The list goes on.
NOW IS THE TIME TO GET VOIP

CTR CAN HELP YOU SWITCH

Switching to a VoIP cloud-based system isn’t a big deal. If you have sufficient bandwidth, you can switch to VoIP without any complications.

CTR has already helped many UK businesses make the transition to a cloud-based system and we can help yours, too.

Don’t let the PSTN and ISDN switch off catch you off guard. Staying connected with your customers is paramount.

How does VoIP work?

VoIP allows you to make voice calls using the internet instead of analogue phone lines.

VoIP converts your voice into digital data and transmits it over the internet. Unlike the PSTN, which relies on copper wires.

This means you can make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection. And you can call via phone, computer, or tablet.

Here’s how it works in layman’s terms:

  1. Conversion: When you speak into a VoIP-enabled phone or device, your voice is converted into small packets of data.
  2. Transmission: These data packets are sent over the internet to the person on the other end. Just like an email or file transfer, for example.
  3. Reassembly: Once the data reaches the recipient, it’s converted back into sound. Thus allowing them to hear your voice in real-time.

Is VoIP better than analogue?

Yes, VoIP is better than analogue in almost every way.

It offers clearer call quality, lower costs, and greater flexibility. And you can make calls from anywhere with an internet connection.

Modern features like video calls, call forwarding, and voicemail-to-email cannot happen with analogue lines.

VoIP is the future. Faster. Smarter. More reliable.

Will my home phone also be affected by the PSTN switch off?

Yes, the PSTN switch off will affect home phones as well.

After 31st January 2027, traditional landlines that rely on the PSTN will no longer work.

You’ll need to switch to a digital alternative (like VoIP) to continue making and receiving calls.

Will my ISDN line be affected by the switch off?

Yes, your Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) line will be affected by the switch off.

ISDN is one of the technologies that will be phased out along with traditional analogue phone lines. They too will no longer exist after 31 January 2027.

If your business relies on ISDN lines, you will need to transition to a digital alternative. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) or SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) trunking are two options.

These modern solutions offer more flexibility and improved call quality. They also have the ability to integrate with other digital services that can enhance your business operations.

Plan your switch early to avoid any disruption. You need to ensure that your business remains connected and competitive.

How does VoIP work?

VoIP allows you to make voice calls using the internet instead of analogue phone lines.

VoIP converts your voice into digital data and transmits it over the internet. Unlike the PSTN, which relies on copper wires.

This means you can make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection. And you can call via phone, computer, or tablet.

Here’s how it works in layman’s terms:

  1. Conversion: When you speak into a VoIP-enabled phone or device, your voice is converted into small packets of data.
  2. Transmission: These data packets are sent over the internet to the person on the other end. Just like an email or file transfer, for example.
  3. Reassembly: Once the data reaches the recipient, it’s converted back into sound. Thus allowing them to hear your voice in real-time.

Is VoIP better than analogue?

Yes, VoIP is better than analogue in almost every way.

It offers clearer call quality, lower costs, and greater flexibility. And you can make calls from anywhere with an internet connection.

Modern features like video calls, call forwarding, and voicemail-to-email cannot happen with analogue lines.

VoIP is the future. Faster. Smarter. More reliable.

Will my home phone also be affected by the PSTN switch off?

Yes, the PSTN switch off will affect home phones as well.

After 31st January 2027, traditional landlines that rely on the PSTN will no longer work.

You’ll need to switch to a digital alternative (like VoIP) to continue making and receiving calls.

Will my ISDN line be affected by the switch off?

Yes, your Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) line will be affected by the switch off.

ISDN is one of the technologies that will be phased out along with traditional analogue phone lines. They too will no longer exist after 31 January 2027.

If your business relies on ISDN lines, you will need to transition to a digital alternative. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) or SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) trunking are two options.

These modern solutions offer more flexibility and improved call quality. They also have the ability to integrate with other digital services that can enhance your business operations.

Plan your switch early to avoid any disruption. You need to ensure that your business remains connected and competitive.

Talk to an expert

Want to talk to us about migrating to digital landlines? Want to know more about how VoIP technology can benefit your business?

alan carter ctr services uk