Get your business ready for the PSTN switch off
Most companies will need to move before the final switch
off in January 2027. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the PSTN switch off?
The PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), which has been integral to our communications for decades, is due to be switched off. PSTN underpins traditional analogue phone lines, FTTC, ISDN and ADSL.
This has the knock-on effect that many services will stop working that still use these technologies including CCTV, door entry systems, EPOS (electronic point of sale) machines, fax machines and more.
All services after the switch off will need to work over IP.
When is the PSTN switch off?
January 2027 is the final date when the PSTN will be retired. However, that does not mean businesses have that long to migrate. Forced migration has resumed, so users of these technologies could lose access at any point before the deadline.
As such it’s vital that businesses evaluate their needs and begin migration now. Read more.
What is the PSTN stop sell?
Late last year sales of services that use the PSTN ended. It’s now no longer possible to buy services that will be affected by the switch off such as ADSL, or those that aren’t fully fibre such as FTTC.
What do I need to do to be ready for the end of PSTN?
CloudClevr recommends you:
- Understand your systems. What is using PSTN or ISDN? EPOS machines, door entry systems, lifts, CCTV security and more could be using these methods. What needs to migrate and what could be updated to IP connectivity?
- Consider your connectivity. For systems you are migrating, what connectivity options are best to support these legacy technologies? You’ll potentially be making decisions that will last for years, so it’s important to get them right.
- Give yourself testing time. Give yourself space to test any systems and ensure they work if migrated or updated. You want the time to explore alternatives if things don’t go to plan and it’s vital that’s done before any forced switchover.
What are my connectivity options?
There are various alternatives to traditional PSTN services including:
- Gigabit fibre internet
- Fibre leased line
- Wide area networks (WAN)
- Wireless leased line
- Fibre to the premises (FTTP)
With the change triggered by the PSTN switch off, now is the perfect time to take stock of the systems you have and the best connectivity requirements for now and the future.
PSTN Switch Off FAQs
We’ve answered some of the most common questions about how CloudClevr can help support businesses on their PSTN Switch Off.
The permanent shutdown of the UK’s traditional copper phone network, completing January 2027. Openreach is replacing it with full-fibre IP infrastructure. Once done, analogue phones, ISDN, ADSL and FTTC broadband will all stop working. Every UK business needs to migrate to a digital alternative before the deadline.
If you use a traditional phone line, ISDN system, ADSL or FTTC broadband, you need to upgrade before January 2027. Forced migrations are already underway. Beyond phones, door entry, CCTV, alarms, EPOS and fax may also be affected. Businesses that delay risk losing services with little or no warning.
The final date is January 2027, but the stop sell is already in effect and forced migrations are happening now in some exchange areas. Begin your migration now — waiting until 2026 creates unnecessary risk, cost and disruption.
PSTN transmits calls over copper lines. VoIP sends calls as data over broadband — cheaper, more flexible, works on any device, and supports video, chat and CRM integration. It’s the primary replacement for businesses migrating away from PSTN.
PSTN is the older analogue network. ISDN is its digital successor from the 1980s. Both run on copper infrastructure and both switch off in January 2027. If you use ISDN2 or ISDN30, you need to migrate to hosted voice or SIP.
Yes. Number porting lets you transfer your existing number to a VoIP or hosted phone system. CloudClevr manages the porting process as part of your migration, so your customers experience no interruption throughout the transition.
CloudClevr can help with the PSTN switch off
With the PSTN switchover planned to take place over the next couple of years, when is the best time for you to begin your migration?
The answer is simple: right now.
A forced switchover could affect your company at any time as the deadline nears.
An expert in connectivity options, and the services that use them, CloudClevr can walk you through the best options for your business. We can help you decide your best long-term options and help you every step of the way with migration. Contact us today to find out more.
PSTN Switch Off
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