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The PSTN switch-off: what businesses need to do

The UK's analogue telephone network (PSTN) and ISDN are being retired. Anything that still depends on copper phone lines needs a plan.

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What is happening

Openreach and the UK communications industry are moving every phone line to digital, internet-based technology. Traditional analogue and ISDN services are being withdrawn, and the industry has set a completion date of January 2027. New copper-based phone lines are already no longer sold.

What might be affected

  • Analogue phone lines and older phone systems
  • ISDN lines on older PBXs
  • Alarm, lift and door entry lines
  • Card payment terminals on phone lines
  • Fax machines and franking machines
  • Telemetry and monitoring equipment

How to prepare

  • Audit every line and what it is used for
  • Move voice to BT Cloud Voice or another business phone system
  • Move broadband to single-order or full fibre connections
  • Check alarms and terminals with their providers
  • Cancel lines you no longer need

Why buy BT through Forever Communications

Forever Communications Ltd is a BT Business Partner, supplying BT's business connectivity and voice services to UK organisations. You get BT's network with a named partner who knows your account.

  • Impartial advice on the right BT product for each site, from business broadband to BTnet
  • One point of contact for orders, moves, upgrades and faults
  • Joined-up voice and data: BT Cloud Voice, VoIP phone systems, the 3CX phone system and the Microsoft Teams phone system
  • Mobile too: EE Business mobiles and SIM-only plans from BT Group's mobile network
  • Security for your connection, from firewalls to Cyber Essentials

We sell to businesses, schools, charities and public sector organisations. We do not sell consumer or home products.

Want a BT Business quote for your site?

Talk to Forever Communications on 0333 358 3808 or send us an enquiry and we will come back to you with options, not a hard sell.

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Frequently asked questions

When is the PSTN switch-off?

The industry is working to complete the migration by January 2027, with exchanges switching over in stages.

Will my business phone number change?

No. Numbers can usually be kept when you move to cloud voice.

What happens if I do nothing?

Your lines will be migrated or withdrawn and older equipment may stop working. Planning ahead avoids disruption.

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