How to prepare your business for the Digital Changeover in 2027
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) will close by 31 January 2027. At which point, analogue phone lines will cease to exist.
So, if you’re not already familiar with digital landlines and VoIP, it’s time to get acquainted. Our handy guide will tell you all you need to know.
Let’s take a look at exactly what’s involved…
What’s happening to landlines?
When BT will switches off its PSTN service, you’ll still be able to have a landline. However, the technology behind it will be different.
It will become a digital landline not an analogue one.
BT is calling this new service ‘Digital Voice’.
Digital landlines use an internet connection (broadband) to make and receive calls. So you may also need to upgrade your broadband.
Now then. Here’s the BIGGY…
The changeover doesn’t just affect voice services.
ANY equipment that currently uses the PSTN will stop working. This includes alarms, CCTV, door entry systems, and EPOS machines, for example.
So, the majority of these will also need to be upgraded to IP-enabled devices. Otherwise they too will stop working.
What is a digital landline?
Digital landlines are often referred to as VoIP phones, IP phones or SIP phones. They come in all shapes and sizes. The one pictured is a Yealink T54W.
Once your provider has initiated your handset, you can literally plug it in, connect it to the WiFi and you’re ready to go.
Expect a host of great features. 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.
Is ISDN also stopping?
Yes, ISDN will also switch off in January 2027.
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) lines are quickly becoming outdated.
They’ve been around since 1986. Back then, transferring data at 128 kbps was regarded as ‘high-speed’.
Times have changed.
Are you one of the 2 million customers in the UK who still has an ISDN line? If so switching to a VoIP cloud-based system is now URGENT.
Why is BT switching off PSTN and ISDN phone lines?
Quite simply because they are old news. Antiquated. They no longer give businesses what they need.
That’s not to say ISDN and PSTN phone lines don’t have their plus points. They have, after all, served us well up to now.
ISDN lines were once popular because they can support an analogue line and video conferencing. Digital signals can be broadcast through ISDN lines. And several devices can operate over a single line.
Moreover, they can be used where broadband isn’t an option and are still used as a backup phone system for many businesses.
PSTN handles telecoms extremely well – that was its very intention. The quality is excellent and the lines are private and secure.
But when you weigh up the advantages and disadvantages, an all-IP world is far more appealing.
And BT recognises that.
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 is VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol.
It’s basically the transmission of voice and multimedia content over an internet connection. Your voice is converted from audio signals to digital data. That data is then sent via the internet.
VoIP allows you to make voice calls from a computer, smartphone, other mobile devices, and, of course, VoIP phones.
What are the benefits of VoIP?
VoIP has many advantages over its non-IP predecessors, including:
- Cost – Experts estimate that switching to VoIP can save businesses up to 60% in telecommunication costs.
- Reliability – the cloud platform supports thousands of businesses across the world. It needs to be ultra-stable—and is.
- Accessibility – Wherever you have internet access, your VoIP system will be operational. The network connection acts as your phone line.
- Scalability – Your VoIP system grows with your business. You can add or remove lines and extensions as required. New users can be set up and activated in a few clicks of a mouse.
- Excellent features – Call recording. Conferencing. Automatic call forwarding. Voicemail to email. And three digit dialling – to name but a few.
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 ISDN and PSTN switch off catch you off guard. Staying connected with your customers is paramount.
How will BT initiate the ISDN and PSTN switch off?
Since September 2023, you can no longer buy legacy voice or broadband services. BT have termed this, ‘The PSTN stop sell’.
They will begin to issue businesses with their designated switch off date as they begin the migration to the new all-IP world.
So if you do have systems that use PSTN, it’s essential to look for an IP alternative.
CTR can guide you through the transition to ensure a seamless migration.
How to make sure you’re ready for the 2027 changeover
Firstly, don’t panic.
Secondly, don’t leave it until the last minute.
The PSTN switch off will be here before you know it. What you don’t want to be is one of those business owners who hasn’t thoroughly researched the options.
Don’t allow yourself to slip into the ‘unprepared’ category. We all know how that story ends.
Instead, embrace the change. Don’t fear it.
The benefits that VoIP will bring to your business are worthy of your absolute attention. The savings, the flexibility and the complete control will help future-proof your business.
Therefore, it’s certainly advisable to act sooner rather than later.
Above all, have a clear plan.
CTR is, as always, by your side and ready to help.
We’re only a phone call away. Call us now on 0333 888 4041
