UK’s ISDN and PSTN network switch off in 2027

What’s happening?

We are in the process of transitioning our customers from the outdated analogue public switched telephone network (PSTN) to a completely digital network. This migration has already begun, and our goal is to complete the transition for all customers prior to Openreach discontinuing the PSTN and ISDN service in 2027. By that time, every telephone line in the UK will be digitally connected.

Legacy products to be discontinued include:

Legacy Product	Description	Replacement Technology
PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network)	The traditional, analogue telephone landline service that provides a standard dial tone for making and receiving calls. Also known as “Classic Products.”	VoIP (Voice over IP) or Digital Voice (e.g., via Fibre or SoGEA)
ISDN2 / ISDN30 (Integrated Services Digital Network)	Digital phone lines, mainly used by businesses for higher capacity or more advanced features. ISDN2 is for 2-8 channels; ISDN30 is for up to 30.	SIP Trunking or Hosted Voice/Cloud PBX
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line)	The earliest widely available copper-based broadband service, which runs over the old analogue phone line (PSTN/WLR).	SoADSL (Single Order ADSL), SoGEA, or FTTP
FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) – Voice component	Broadband that uses fibre optic cable to the street cabinet, and then copper to the premises. The voice part of this service relies on the PSTN/WLR line.	SoGEA (FTTC without the analogue voice line) or FTTP

What does this actually mean?

As an essentially 20th century technology, the PSTN network is increasingly out of kilter with the demands of modern communications. As people switch to mobile and internet communications, everyone demands much more than the traditional technologies were designed to deliver. Which is why we’re switching. It’s now time to leap forward from PSTN to embrace the boundless possibilities of digital.

2027. That’s years away. Why are we talking about this now?

You need to start planning your move today because there could be a lot to do. Remember, it’s not just about calls. You need to review everything you’re connecting to your phone lines, like PDQ, Alarms, Door Entry Systems. Many businesses have already embraced an all-digital model, moving their communications to the Cloud, making calls over the internet.

Will we be better off with digital?

The move to all-digital isn’t just because the old phone system is outdated. It’s because all-digital communications are so much better. Even at the most basic level, you’ll be able to make and take calls on any device, from wherever you are, from the same number.

Hold on, not so fast. I’m not convinced.

That’s OK. We know there are a few scare stories out there about the PSTN switch-off.

Myths about digital phone lines debunked should put you at ease.

1. Calls over the internet aren’t as good as those made over a normal phone line

There have been huge improvements in network connectivity. It’s mature and sophisticated, delivering crystal clear audio with no more dropouts, tinny voices, echoes or delays.

2. It’s not reliable. What happens if the cloud goes down?

Digital phone lines can actually be more resilient than PSTN lines. For instance, our digital services run across multiple data centres. If one goes down, no problem. Traffic switches seamlessly to another and your service carries on regardless.

3. I won’t have enough bandwidth for calls and data

Calls don’t eat as much bandwidth as you might expect so the vast majority of businesses don’t notice any problems. When we’re supplying a Cloud phone system, we always work with you to understand how you’re planning to use it. That way, we can make sure you have the right type of internet connection for what you want to do and plenty of bandwidth to go round as well.

4. It all sounds very technical

Cloud phone systems are actually easier to manage than on-premises systems. If you take one of ours, we’ll help you get your people up to speed.

Using a simple web admin interface, you can move, add, or change users with a click of a mouse. And because it’s digital, all updates and maintenance are remote and timely so there’s no waiting around for an engineer or a physical upgrade. And you always have the latest features and updates.

5. It’ll be a huge job moving from my old phone system

Actually, it can be very easy – with the right planning. If you’re running services on separate lines, you can bring them together, as long as your network has the bandwidth.

It’s even easier when you opt for a hosted service with us. That means we’ll take care of installation, set-up, and on-going management. Digital phone systems come with IP (internet protocol) phones, which is the type of phone you need to make calls over the internet rather than the PSTN network, so you’ll need to replace your current handsets if they’re not compatible with digital phone services.

6. I’ll need a new number, which means I’ll lose customers

You’ll be able to keep your current numbers, if you want to. It’s actually an opportunity to review your numbers and think about whether you still need them all.

7. You can’t do as much with a digital phone system

Cloud systems do everything your on-premises phone system can do and then some. Call forwarding, diversion, hunt groups and so on.

8. It’s not for me. It’s only for big business

It works for everyone, from the sole trader to the big corporate.
It’s a truly versatile solution, easy to set up, a cinch to use, and you can easily add more phones to it as your business expands. And the sophisticated features you’ll have at your disposal will give your customers a better, more professional experience.

9. Something this good must be pretty expensive

We will review all of your services and cancel any redundant lines due to the switch over. This way you’ll start to make savings.

Sounds great. What do I do next?

Call us on 01727 221303 or complete the contact form to receive a call back from a customer care advisor.