Get Ready for the Great British Switch Off

By January 2027, all traditional phone line services will be switched off. This will effect everyone using a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

What's happening?

By January 2027, the traditional phone network we’re familiar with, known as the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN), will be turned off.

At that point, all phone lines in the UK will be switched to a new type of digital network that uses fibre-optic cables and Internet Protocol (IP) technology, which is the same tech used for the internet. This change won’t only affect making calls, it might also mean you need to upgrade your broadband.

Various devices like alarms, cash registers, security cameras, and fax machines that currently rely on the old phone network will stop working. Additionally, the technology called Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) will also be impacted and won’t be available anymore.

Why is this happening?

The current copper phone network is old and difficult to manage. It also hasn’t kept up with the needs of today’s new ways of communicating, with most of the world’s population opting to use mobiles instead of traditional phone lines.

When is this happening?

You can find the timeline of key dates in the image below.
PTSN-timeline

What are the challenges of this?

For some, it could be a more complicated task to make the switch as there can be a lot of things which are utilising the phone lines, such as alarm systems, security cameras, door entry systems, PDQ machines (card payment machines) etc. Planning now is essential to ensure a smooth migration before the big switch off takes place.

What do I need to do?

It is vital that you start planning for the switch off now if you have broadband (ADSL / FTTC), PSTN or ISDN lines.

We can help you with this. Get in touch with your Client Success Manager and they can guide you through the process and what options can be offered.

What are my options?

Depending on what’s available in your area, we can offer you three options:

  1. SoGEA
  2. FTTP
  3. Leased Line

Your Client Success Manager can advise you on what’s available in your area.

Q&A

The PSTN switch-off was revealed in 2017 with the goal to switch off in 2025 (now extended to 2027), giving businesses enough time to prepare. As of the 1st of August 2023, the services affected by the big switch off will no longer be available to buy with TSG. Preparing for the switch-off in advance of 2027, will help to ensure a smooth migration with no loss of service.

Need support with the Switch Off?