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Network access provider Openreach (BT) has today warned businesses across the UK that they must “act now” in order to be ready for the old Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to be switched-off in favour of IP-based digital phone (VoIP etc.) services. But many are leaving it until the last minute, “risking network outages and malfunctioning systems“.
Just to recap. The legacy phone switch-off was last year delayed to 31st January 2027 in order to give broadband ISPs, phone, telecare providers, councils and consumers more time to adapt (details). The main focus of this was the 1.8 million UK people who use vital home telecare systems (e.g. elderly, disabled – vulnerable users), which aren’t always compatible with digital phone services because telecare providers were slow to adapt. But this overlooks that, for everybody else, many providers will still be working to the original Dec 2025 deadline to have their customers off the PSTN network.
According to Openreach, “many businesses” (we don’t get a solid estimate) are continuing to rely on outdated PSTN infrastructure and thus “risk both their operational effectiveness and bottom lines“. As legacy networks are decommissioned, systems such as payment terminals, security alarms, ISDN lines, 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 industry-led shift is being driven by a combination of factors, such as the looming retirement of copper lines in favour of full fibre (FTTP), as well as future exchange closures and the declining reliability of the old phone network (Ofcom states that related fault rates substantially increased by 45% in 2024). Not to mention that it is not economically feasible to maintain both the old and new networks side-by-side long term.
The government and ISPs have already introduced various measures to protect consumers, particularly vulnerable users. But businesses don’t benefit from this and need to ensure that their own systems are up-to-date ahead of time. The best way to start this process is by contacting your current provider to discuss the issue.
Openreach said businesses should start by reviewing their connectivity estate to identify any equipment still relying on PSTN. The network operator added that testing this equipment can be done for free at their test labs, ensuring compatibility with All IP networks (details here). Openreach are also offering a range of resources to help businesses through the transition, including support for edge cases and temporary solutions if needed.