For decades, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) has been the backbone of communications across the UK. But by 31 January 2027, Openreach will permanently retire the PSTN, marking one of the biggest changes to UK telecommunications in recent years.
If your business still relies on traditional analogue phone lines, the switch off could affect more than calls. Phone systems, alarms, lifts, CCTV, door entry systems and payment terminals may all need to be reviewed before the deadline.
If your business still relies on traditional analogue phone lines, the switch off could affect more than calls. Phone systems, alarms, lifts, CCTV, door entry systems and payment terminals may all need to be reviewed before the deadline.
What is the PSTN switch off?
The PSTN is the traditional copper telephone network that has supported landline calls for generations. As the network reaches the end of its life, Openreach is replacing it with modern digital voice services that use internet connectivity instead.This means traditional analogue phone lines will no longer be available after January 2027.
For many businesses, the PSTN switch off will
affect more than just telephone calls.
It's not just your phone system
While replacing an old phone system with a modern VoIP solution is often the most obvious requirement, many organisations haveother business-critical services that also rely on analogue phone lines.
These can include:
- Intruder alarms
- Fire alarm systems
- Lift emergency phones
- CCTV systems
- Payment terminals
- Fax machines
- Telecare or emergency call systems
- Building management systems
- Door entry and access control
If these services continue to rely on the PSTN after the switch off, they may stop working.
How do you know if you're affected?
Many businesses don't know what still uses their analogue phone lines.If your premises have been occupied for several years, there's a good chance that at least one system still relies on the PSTN.
Now is the ideal time to review your communications infrastructure, check which services still use analogue phone lines and identify anything that needs to be upgraded before the switch off.
Leaving it until the last minute could lead to unnecessary disruption, supplier delays and unexpected costs.
What should your business do next?
Every organisation will be different, but we recommend taking the following steps:- Review your existing telephone system and internet connectivity.
- Identify any devices or services that still rely on analogue phone lines.
- Speak to your service providers to understand what upgrades may be required
- Plan any necessary changes well before the January 2027 deadline.
How ACS IT Services can help
At ACS IT Services, we help businesses prepare for the PSTN switch off by providing modern communications and connectivity solutions, including:- Business VoIP phone systems
- Full fibre broadband
- Leased lines
- Business internet connectivity
- Business mobile solutions
If your organisation still relies on traditional phone systems, we can help you migrate to a modern cloud-based telephony solution that supports office, hybrid and remote working.
Need to replace your business phone system?
Speak to ACS IT Services about our Business Telephony & Connectivity services
What about alarms, lifts and other connected systems?
While ACS IT Services can advise on the communications and connectivity aspects of the PSTN switch, specialist systems such as alarms, lifts, door entry and CCTV are typically supported by their own manufacturers or maintenance providers.
If you use any of these services, we recommend contacting your supplier to confirm:
- Whether the system currently relies on the PSTN.
- Whether it will continue to operate after January 2027.
- What upgrades, if any, are required.
Taking action now gives you plenty of time to plan any changes and avoid disruption closer to the switch off.
Don't leave it too late
Although January 2027 may still seem some time away, many businesses will be upgrading their communications infrastructure over the next six months.Planning early gives you more choice, reduces the risk of delays and ensures your business is ready well before the switch off takes place.
Whether you need to review your phone system, upgrade your internet connectivity or understand which services may be affected, ACS IT Services can help you plan the right next step.