The UK's telecommunications network is undergoing one of its biggest changes in decades. By 31st January 2027, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), the analogue copper network that has supported landlines for generations, will be permanently switched off and replaced with modern digital services.
Although the switch-off has been planned for several years, many businesses still rely on services connected to the old network. With the deadline approaching and the cost of maintaining legacy services continuing to rise, now is the time to understand what the change means for your organisation.
PSTN is the UK's traditional copper-based telephone network, carrying voice calls and supporting a wide range of analogue services used by businesses across the country for decades.
As the network has aged, it’s become increasingly expensive to maintain and is no longer capable of supporting the demands of modern communications. The UK telecoms industry is therefore replacing it with digital, IP-based services that use broadband or full fibre connections to carry voice and data.
The switch-off affects far more than landline telephones. Any service that relies on a traditional phone line should be reviewed before the deadline.
Many organisations have systems that still rely on analogue phone lines, often without realising it. These can include:
If these services haven’t been migrated to digital alternatives before the PSTN is retired, they may no longer function as expected after the switch-off.
For many businesses, the first step is understanding which systems are still connected to the PSTN. Phone systems, alarms, payment terminals and other business-critical services may all require review before the January 2027 deadline.
As the UK moves away from copper-based infrastructure, Openreach has announced a series of wholesale price increases for legacy copper services during 2026. The first of these two increases have already taken effect, with a 20% increase in April and an additional 40% increase in July. A further increase of 40% is due in October.
By the end of 2026, some wholesale charges for copper-based services will have doubled compared with the start of the year.
These increases are designed to encourage organisations to move away from ageing infrastructure before the network is permanently switched off. Depending on your communications provider and contract, businesses that continue using legacy services could see higher monthly costs while relying on technology that is nearing the end of its life.
With the January 2027 deadline approaching, now is a good time to review any services that still rely on the PSTN. While business phone systems are the most obvious, many organisations also have alarms, payment terminals, lift emergency lines and other systems connected to the legacy network. Identifying these now can help avoid unexpected disruption closer to the switch-off.
Planning ahead also gives businesses more time to assess their options and prepare for rising costs associated with legacy services. Speaking to your communications provider and any third-party suppliers can help ensure critical systems are compatible with digital connectivity well before the deadline.
Many businesses have already started the move to digital communications, while others are only beginning to assess how the PSTN switch-off will affect them.
Carrying out a review now can help you identify any services that still depend on the PSTN, avoid rising costs associated with legacy infrastructure and reduce the risk of disruption ahead of the January 2027 deadline.
The PSTN switch-off is an industry-wide change that will affect organisations across the UK. Understanding which of your services rely on the existing network is the first step towards a smooth transition.
If you're unsure how the PSTN switch-off will affect your business, we can help you assess your current services and understand the next steps. Fill in the form below and get in touch with our team for practical, expert guidance to help ensure your business is ready before the January 2027 switch-off.