Original article Total Telecom:Read More
Openreach is calling on businesses across the UK to accelerate their migration to digital
networks as the January 2027 PSTN switch-off deadline approaches. With the transition
now in its final phase, businesses and Communications Service Providers (CSPs) still
relying on legacy systems risk being left behind.
Many businesses continuing to rely on outdated PSTN infrastructure risk both their
operational effectiveness and bottom lines. As legacy networks are decommissioned,
systems such as payment terminals, security alarms, ISDN systems, and landline phones
will cease to work, potentially leading to significant disruptions.
James Lilley, Director of All IP at Openreach, said: “The nationwide transition to an All-
IP network is a huge undertaking, and ensuring vulnerable users are protected during the
shift has been a priority. Now that we are confident we have addressed those needs and
can safely transition vulnerable customers, the deadline is set. It’s time for businesses to
act and unchain their networks from legacy infrastructure. The digital world won’t wait for
those that stall. Every day of delay risks disruptions, higher costs, and missed
Opportunities.”
The steps to make the transition are clear: Review, Test, and Switch. Businesses should
start by reviewing their connectivity estate to identify any equipment still relying on PSTN.
Testing this equipment can be done for free at Openreach’s test labs, ensuring
compatibility with All IP networks. Finally, businesses should switch to a digital solution as
soon as possible. Openreach is offering a range of resources to help businesses through
the transition, including support for edge cases and temporary solutions if needed.
Businesses still unsure how they are impacted by the switch-off should contact their service
Provider.
The PSTN switch-off deadline is set for January 2027, although some CSPs have earlier
dates including December 2025, and businesses that wait will face mounting costs, security
risks, and missed growth opportunities. Openreach urges all businesses to make the move
today and unlock the full potential of next-gen communication technologies that will power
the future of business.
For more information on how to start the transition, visit our website
About Openreach
We’re the people that make the net work.
Our wholesale broadband network – the UK’s largest – supports more than 680 service providers like BT, SKY, TalkTalk, Vodafone and Zen to provide broadband, TV, phone, data and mobile services to their customers.
Any company can access our network through equal pricing, terms and conditions, and our team of around 28,000 people help deliver services to every community in the UK.
Right now, we’re investing £15bn to build a new ultrafast, ultra-reliable Full Fibre broadband network to 25 million homes and businesses by the end of 2026. Work is on track, with the company intending to go even further – to as many as 30 million premises by the end of the decade – assuming conditions for investment remain supportive.
We’ve already reached 18 million premises and we’re passing thousands more every week. And we’re retraining thousands of our existing engineers to help build, connect and maintain the new network.
Our new network will help Openreach and its customers to dramatically cut emissions, with research suggesting nationwide Full Fibre broadband could save 400 million commuter trips every year. We’re also switching our commercial fleet – the UK’s second largest – to zero emissions by 2031.
We’re a wholly owned and independent subsidiary of the BT Group and for the year up to the end of March 2025, we reported revenues of £6.157bn.
Find out more at www.openreach.com.