The UK is undergoing a massive telecommunications overhaul. This transformation, known as Gigabit Britain, is far more than just a quest for faster internet. It’s about laying the groundwork for a future-proof, all-digital network that will power the UK economy for decades to come. For businesses, this isn’t an optional upgrade; it’s a critical, time-sensitive necessity driven by the imminent BT landline switchover.
At Daisy, we understand that this complex process, including the PSTN switch off and ISDN switch off, can feel daunting. This guide will clarify what these changes mean for your organisation, why they are happening, and how you can prepare to ensure a seamless transition and unlock new opportunities.
The Vision of Gigabit Britain
Gigabit Britain is the government and telecoms industry’s ambition to provide a full-fibre, gigabit-capable network to at least 85% of UK premises by 2027, with the ultimate goal of full nationwide coverage.
So, what exactly does “gigabit-capable” mean? It refers to broadband speeds of 1Gbps (1,000 Mbps) or higher. This is a significant leap from the average speeds of traditional copper-based connections. For businesses, this means:
- Flawless remote work: Seamless video conferencing and cloud-based applications that run without latency.
- Enhanced productivity: Rapid file transfers and the ability to handle large data sets efficiently.
- Improved resilience: Modern fibre networks are more reliable and less susceptible to environmental factors than legacy copper lines.
- Future-proofing operations: The bandwidth and reliability required for emerging technologies like IoT, AI, and Big Data will be readily available.
This initiative is a proactive step to retire the outdated, high-maintenance copper network in favour of a faster, more reliable, and sustainable fibre infrastructure.
Why the PSTN and ISDN Switch Offs are Happening
The BT landline switchover is a cornerstone of the Gigabit Britain initiative. The traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and its digital counterpart, the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), have been the backbone of UK telephony for decades. However, they are now obsolete.
BT Openreach has set a firm deadline: the PSTN switch off and ISDN switch off will be complete by January 2027. After this date, traditional analogue landlines will cease to function. All voice communications will be delivered digitally over an IP (Internet Protocol) network, using your internet connection.
This is a mandatory migration, not an optional one. The “stop-sell” has already been in effect in many areas since September 2023, meaning you can no longer order new PSTN or ISDN lines. This is BT’s way of encouraging businesses to migrate ahead of the final deadline.
Services Impacted by the BT Landline Switchover
The BT landline switchover affects more than just your office landline phones. Many business-critical systems that have traditionally relied on copper lines will be impacted. It is essential to conduct a full audit of your infrastructure to identify all dependent systems.
The following table provides a comprehensive overview of what services are affected and the recommended modern alternatives.
| Current Service | Impact of Switch Off | Recommended Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional landline phones (PSTN) | Will no longer function after January 2027. | VoIP (Voice over IP) or SIP-based telephony. |
| ISDN lines for business calls | Complete withdrawal by January 2027. | SIP trunks or hosted VoIP solutions. |
| ADSL broadband | Dependent on copper lines, will be withdrawn alongside PSTN. | Full-fibre broadband (FTTP) or a dedicated leased line. |
| Alarm systems, lifts, and door entry systems | Analogue connections may fail, causing critical safety systems to stop working. | Digital, IP-enabled alternatives. |
| Fax machines | Likely to become unreliable and eventually stop working. | Online fax or secure digital document transfer services. |
| Payment terminals (card machines) | Devices using analogue lines will stop working. | IP-enabled or mobile data-enabled payment devices. |
Why the Switchover is a Gateway to Gigabit Britain
The BT landline switchover is a strategic necessity for the UK to realise its vision of Gigabit Britain. By migrating all communications onto one unified, IP-based fibre network, the entire system becomes simpler and more efficient.
This move provides several key benefits:
- Consolidated Infrastructure: A single modern fibre network can now carry voice, data, and video, eliminating the need for separate copper-based systems. This simplification reduces maintenance costs and complexity for businesses.
- Enhanced Flexibility: Cloud-based services, from hosted phone systems to online collaboration tools, can be adopted seamlessly and without performance issues.
- Improved Resilience: Fibre optic cables are far more durable and reliable than copper, providing consistent uptime and a robust connection even during adverse weather conditions.
- Significant Cost Savings: Businesses can often reduce communication costs by bundling voice and data services on a single, high-speed connection, eliminating the need to pay for outdated and separate lines.
In essence, the PSTN switch off and ISDN switch off are not just about retiring old technology; they are about paving the way for the high-speed, flexible, and resilient digital infrastructure that defines Gigabit Britain.
Preparing Your Business for the Change
The deadline for the BT landline switchover is approaching fast, and early preparation is key to avoiding service disruption. Here is a clear, actionable plan to get your business ready.
- Conduct a Thorough Audit: This is the most critical first step. Go through every part of your organisation and identify any and all systems that use a traditional landline. Don’t just think about phones; check for fax machines, alarm systems, fire panels, CCTV, and even lifts. It’s common for businesses to overlook these ‘hidden’ connections.
- Choose the Right Solution: Once you know what you need to replace, you can choose the right modern alternative.
- For your phone system, consider Hosted VoIP (Voice over IP) or SIP Trunks. Hosted VoIP offers a complete, cloud-based phone system with features like call routing, auto-attendants, and mobile apps. SIP trunks allow you to keep your existing on-premise PBX system while moving your calls to an IP connection.
- For your internet, a reliable connection is non-negotiable. A dedicated leased line offers symmetrical speeds and guaranteed uptime, while a high-quality fibre broadband connection can also be sufficient depending on your business size and needs.
- Upgrade Your Connectivity: A strong, stable broadband connection is fundamental for a seamless VoIP experience. Voice quality is directly tied to the bandwidth and reliability of your internet line. Daisy offers a range of business-grade broadband solutions tailored to the needs of modern organisations.
- Partner with an Expert: Migrating your entire communications infrastructure is a complex process. Working with an experienced provider like Daisy ensures the transition is smooth, without any business disruption. We’ll guide you through the audit, recommend the best solutions, and manage the migration from start to finish. Our expertise in both connectivity and cloud telephony means we can provide a holistic solution that guarantees you’re ready for the switchover.
The Opportunity in the Transition
While the BT landline switchover might seem like a burden, it is, in fact, an incredible opportunity for UK businesses. This forced migration provides the perfect catalyst to:
- Modernise Your Operations: Embrace modern, scalable, and flexible communications technologies that enhance collaboration and efficiency.
- Reduce Costs: The move to VoIP and converged services can often lead to significant cost savings on line rental and call charges.
- Unlock New Capabilities: Access enterprise-grade features that were previously only available to large corporations, such as advanced call analytics, call recording, and seamless integration with other business applications.
- Boost Competitiveness: A faster, more reliable connection will allow you to deliver better customer service, support a flexible workforce, and stay ahead of the curve.
The Gigabit Britain initiative, underpinned by the PSTN switch off and ISDN switch off, is not just about a change in technology; it’s about a fundamental shift in how UK businesses operate. Don’t wait until the last minute. By planning your migration now, you can transform a mandatory upgrade into a strategic advantage.
Ready to prepare your business for the BT landline switchover and embrace Gigabit Britain?
Get in touch with a Daisy expert today for a comprehensive consultation.