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Are You Ready for the Analogue Switch Off?

The UK’s ISDN and PSTN network will switch off at the start of 2027 and traditional landlines are heading to the cloud. 

Whilst 2027 has been marked as the end of the analogue switch off, that doesn’t mean your service won’t be retired sooner. 

 

Openreach are actively working through putting the exchanges of ISDN and PSTN into a phase known as Stop Sell, where you can no longer make any changes or upgrades to the existing service you have. Essentially, once your service is put into this ‘Stop Sell’ phase, it becomes static. The planned switch off has been delayed until January 31st 2027, giving businesses and households more time to prepare for the transition to a digital phone system.

However, it’s important to remember that while this delay offers some respite, the PSTN is nearing the end of its life. Most businesses and individuals should still aim to switch to a new service by December 2025 to avoid disruption. Given the phased approach, some other legacy services will continue to cease prior to the date of January 31st 2027, such as all remaining EFM circuits. By 2027, all exchanges will be moved into their End of Life and anyone still operating on these networks will find their phone line or broadband service cut off. If you have any questions about the switch off, please speak to your account manager.

It's Time to Modernise

The ISDN and PSTN have been the UK’s primary communication networks for decades.

Once revolutionary, these ageing infrastructures are now severely out of date, relying on degrading copper telephone lines which can no longer compete with more advanced cloud solutions.

To embrace a fully digital future, Openreach have announced the Switch Off.

As part of the Switch Off, any phone lines, broadband and fax, alarm and lift lines connected to the End of Life networks will be retired.

Why the Delay?

The decision to postpone the switch off was made due to the technological challenges involved in upgrading the entire network. This additional time will allow for a smoother transition, particularly for vulnerable customers.
Once revolutionary, these ageing infrastructures are now severely out of date, relying on degrading copper telephone lines which can no longer compete with more advanced cloud solutions.

77%

not prepared for the Switch Off 

2.4m

businesses still using PSTN lines 

5,600

exchanges already moved to Stop Sell

12m

lines to be moved by 2027 

Switch Off Timeline

BT Openreach announces ISDN and PSTN Switch Off in 2025

2017

BT Openreach strengthens the fibre network

2019

Providers stop selling PSTN and ISDN products 

2023

PSTN switch off delay to January 2027 announced

2024

ISDN and PSTN networks are switched off

2027

It's Time to Upgrade

Businesses need to take action against the Switch Off – but don’t panic and rip out your system tomorrow. 

Babble can help you build a cloud-based connectivity solution to keep your business connected and running as effectively as possible. 

Our hosted VoIP technologies enable you to make and receive calls over the internet and deliver collaboration using video calls, meetings and messaging, all on a reliable broadband connection. 

Benefits of Moving to the Cloud

Continuity 

Office, home or hybrid – technology should be able to empower, not prohibit. 

Scalability 

Quickly scale your phone system as your business grows, adding and configuring additional users easily. 

Mobility 

Mobile softphone integration, so you can take your phone system with you wherever you are, whenever you need it. 

Futureproof 

Security and features regularly deployed by Babble will keep you secure and up to date. 

Predict costs 

Removes the need for costly reconfiguration and changes required with traditional on-premise systems. 

Blogs

Read our latest blogs on the ISDN and PSTN Switch Off for more advice on what it means for your business and your options to upgrade. 

December 1, 2022 in Blog, Communication, ISDN

ISDN and PSTN Switch Off – here are your options

According to one survey, 83% of organisations have no idea when their ISDN or PSTN services will be shut down, and 46% have no idea that their existing analogue phone…
Read More
November 24, 2022 in Blog, Communication, ISDN

ISDN and PSTN Switch-Off – It’s time to act

You’re probably thinking, the last thing I need right now is having to worry about replacing legacy technology and outdated systems – I mean, have you seen the inflation rate…
Read More

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