Is Your Business Ready for the Big Switch Off?
By December 2026, all traditional landlines and copper-based services across the UK will be just days away from being switched off. This national change, led by Openreach, marks the end of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and ISDN exchange lines. All voice and broadband services will need to have moved to the digital alternatives.
If your business still relies on old phone lines, fax machines, ADSL broadband, or ISDN phone systems, now is the time to prepare.
What Is Changing and Why?
The copper network has supported businesses for many years, but it is now outdated and expensive to maintain. It can no longer meet the demands of modern communication.
The switch off is part of the UK’s move to a full fibre and digital infrastructure. This means replacing legacy services with faster and more reliable technology like fibre broadband and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony.
Will This Affect My Business?
All of these services will stop working when the switch off takes place, so it is important to plan ahead.
Yes, if you are currently using:
- Traditional landline telephones
- ISDN-based phone systems
- Broadband that runs over old-style copper lines
- Devices such as alarm systems, lift lines or card machines that connect via a phone line
What Should I Do Next?
1. Review Your Current Setup
Understand which services in your business are still using PSTN or ISDN.
2. Start Planning Your Move to Digital
This may involve switching to VoIP telephony, upgrading your broadband, or checking that other systems like alarms or tills are compatible with digital services.
3. Do Not Wait
As we get closer to the deadline, engineer availability will be limited and the demand for upgrades will increase.
We offer:
- VoIP and hosted telephony
- Broadband upgrades to suit your business
- Advice on affected equipment
- Friendly, ongoing support
Let Us Help You Make the Switch
We are already supporting businesses across the Southwest to move away from copper-based services. Our team can guide you through the entire process, from reviewing your current system to installing a future-ready solution.
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