PSTN Switch-Off: A Compulsory Change Ahead

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is being switched off across the UK. This is not a gradual transition or an optional upgrade - it is a mandatory change that will affect every organisation currently using traditional telephone lines for voice calls, fax, alarm systems, lift phones, EPOS terminals, or any other service that relies on the analogue network.

BT Openreach has set a target to complete the switch-off by the end of 2027, though local area switches are already underway and some are being accelerated. Any organisation that has not yet developed a plan for migration is running out of time.

What Services Are Affected?

The scope of the PSTN switch-off is broader than many organisations initially realise. Beyond voice telephony, affected services include broadband delivered over legacy ADSL/FTTC lines, alarm systems (fire, intruder, personal emergency), door entry systems, EPOS and payment terminals connected via analogue lines, lift emergency phones, and fax machines. Each of these services requires a specific migration approach, and the lead times for some — particularly alarm and safety systems - can be significant.

The Commercial Opportunity

The PSTN switch-off is a forced change, but it is also a commercial opportunity. Organisations that approach migration strategically - rather than simply accepting their existing provider’s transition offer - can use the moment to rationalise their voice and data infrastructure, consolidate suppliers, and achieve material cost reductions.

ERA Group’s telecoms specialists work with organisations to audit their current voice and data estate, understand the full scope of affected services, and develop a migration strategy that minimises disruption while maximising commercial value. In many cases, the shift to SIP trunking and hosted telephony solutions delivers lower ongoing costs than the legacy arrangements being replaced.

What to Do Now

If your organisation has not yet conducted a comprehensive audit of PSTN-dependent services, this should be an immediate priority. The combination of switch-off deadlines, procurement lead times, and the complexity of some migration projects means that delay carries genuine operational risk.

ERA Group can help organisations understand the scope of their exposure, identify the optimal transition path, and negotiate the commercial terms that ensure migration delivers value rather than simply maintaining the status quo at a higher cost.