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16 September 2026
At a Glance
The UK’s PSTN switch-off means businesses still relying on traditional analogue lines need to prepare for digital alternatives such as VoIP before January 2027. Migration involves more than replacing desk phones. Organisations should identify every service that depends on analogue lines, assess connectivity and resilience, review security and allow enough time to migrate and test replacement systems.
Talk to Redpalm’s connectivity and networking experts today.
Preparing for the PSTN Switch-Off in 2027
UK businesses have relied on traditional phone lines for decades. But now, as with all technology, the infrastructure behind them is approaching the end of its life.
The UK’s legacy copper-based Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) will be permanently switched off on January 31, 2027, affecting businesses that use services delivered over the BT/Openreach network. This means businesses still using the analogue phone lines need to switch to digital or IP-based options before the deadline.
However, preparing for the PSTN switch-off is more than just replacing desk phones. It’s about understanding what depends on these existing lines before they’re disconnected. Using VoIP phones for business over analogue ones is an opportunity to improve how your business communicates.
Our guide explains what you need to know and do before the deadline nears.
What Is the PSTN Switch-Off and Why Is It Happening?
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is the UK’s traditional phone network that has carried calls for generations. But as with any ageing infrastructure, Ofcom describes PSTN technology as beyond its lifespan and becoming increasingly unreliable, especially where modern communication demands digital, IP-based services.
However, this change is more than British Telecom deciding traditional desk phones are outdated. It brings a sweeping change to the underlying network carrying those services.
Even as the deadline approaches, 1.5 million lines are still operating on the old copper-based phone network at 350,000 business premises, according to Openreach’s estimates in July 2026.
One of the biggest challenges for these businesses is finding everything that depends on an analogue line (including office phones, security alarms, CCTVs and payment terminals) and replacing it with the appropriate digital alternative.
What Are VoIP and Hosted Phone Systems, and How Do They Work?
Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, converts your voice into digital data over an internet connection. This is the basic concept behind calls on Microsoft Teams, Zoom or WhatsApp.
Instead of connecting to the PSTN through telephone lines, VoIP uses a phone, laptop or any other application or electronic device to connect to cloud/IP phone services through an internet connection.
A hosted phone system moves much of the office telephone infrastructure to the cloud.
What Happens If Your Business Does Nothing Before the Switch-Off?
Waiting until the January 2027 deadline can be risky for your business. BT says customers who have not migrated may be moved automatically to a basic IP service through its Protective Migrations programme. Where this isn’t possible, affected services could stop working or move to a limited voice-only service.
The problem isn’t just losing connectivity, but it’s losing access to what your analogue phone systems were connected to. Moving your office phones to VoIP isn’t enough. You need to know what equipment is connected and whether it is compatible with the replacement service. That is why you need a thorough audit before you migrate.
If you leave this to the last minute, you may end up trying to replace equipment, coordinate suppliers and migrate communications while many other organisations are doing the same.
What Should You Look for When Choosing a Business VoIP or Teams Phone Setup?
The PSTN switch-off 2027 deadline is an opportunity to change and upgrade your phone systems. But it may not be wise to choose the first VoIP package you find.
Here are a few factors to consider before choosing a VoIP or Teams phone setup.
Internet Connection
VoIP needs a reliable internet connection. Before switching to VoIP phone systems, consider bandwidth, connectivity, network configuration, Wi-Fi coverage and other network traffic. Also consider a backup in case the primary connection fails.
Reliability
Digital services need powered equipment and connectivity, so businesses should think about what happens if either becomes unavailable. Factor in mobile failover, call forwarding arrangements, business continuity processes and uninterruptible power supplies to ensure resilient communication systems.
Microsoft Teams Phone
If your business already uses Microsoft 365 and Teams extensively, Microsoft Teams Phone may be worth considering. Your teams can make and receive external telephone calls from the same application as they already use for meetings and messaging.
Security
Security is equally important when introducing any new technology. Account security, administrative permissions, device configuration, network security and access controls matter.
A poorly secured cloud phone account can create risks just as a badly secured email account can. Consider security from the start, ideally as part of your migration plan. Call 0333 006 3366 to connect with Redpalm’s networking and security experts today.
Why Do Some Businesses Still Hesitate on VoIP, and Is It Justified?
Changing something that a business has relied on for years can be difficult. Some common concerns that lead to hesitation include:
- Uncertainty over call quality: Modern VoIP can deliver excellent call quality, but the overall experience depends on connectivity, network configuration and equipment.
- Internet connectivity failure: “What happens when the internet goes down?” is a legitimate question, and the design plan must include failover.
- Complicated technology: Businesses don’t want unnecessary complexity over phones. They want a setup that makes everyday calling simple, with appropriate training for a smoother user experience.
- Losing business numbers: Number portability is available, but businesses need to confirm what they can retain from their chosen provider before migrating.
Some of these concerns about VoIP are justified when poor connectivity or weak planning creates problems. But when the migration is planned properly, the intended change will happen.
How Redpalm Helps UK Businesses Prepare for PSTN Switch-Off and Move to VoIP
The PSTN switch-off in 2027 doesn’t mean you need to start ordering new phones. The focus should be on understanding what you already have.
Through our connectivity and networking service, Redpalm can help you review your current communications and IT environment, understand what needs to change and plan the shift towards modern alternatives.
This can include reviewing:
- Your existing telephone setup
- Devices that still depend on analogue phone lines
- Your existing broadband network or cloud-based calling network
- How your employees work
- Your Microsoft Environment
- Your business continuity plan
We recommend migrating early to give you more time to test your replacement service as well as prepare employees and address teething issues without a deadline hanging over your business.
Talk to Redpalm today about reviewing your current setup and preparing your business for the switch to VoIP phone systems.
