The Clock is ticking to the PSTN network switch-off

The UK's old copper phone network is being switched off, and many businesses still don't realise how much could be affected. This isn't just about traditional landline phones anymore.

More Than You Might Think Is at Risk

A huge number of business services still rely on legacy PSTN or copper-based infrastructure behind the scenes. That includes:

• Multi-line phone systems
• ISDN services
• Broadband and internet connections
• Alarm lines
• Lift emergency phones
• PDQ and card payment terminals
• CCTV and monitoring systems
• Older leased line or data services, including legacy BTnet

Some businesses may already have services at risk without even realising it.

The Clock Is Ticking

A recent post from a BT Business colleague put it clearly:

"Clock is ticking to the PSTN network switch-off. We're now less than nine months away from the closure of the legacy network in January 2027..."

That's a pretty clear message. If you're still on any of those services, the window to act is closing fast.

Hear It Straight from Openreach

If you'd like to understand exactly what's happening, why, and what the options are, this in-depth interview with Juliette Scott, Senior Manager for All IP Migrations and Exchange Exit at Openreach, is well worth a watch. It covers the timeline, the difficult "long tail" of lines still to switch, ISDN, hosted voice, and what happens if you leave it too late.

How Connection Worx Can Help

As a BT Authorised Reseller, Connection Worx can provide a free estate review to help identify any legacy or at-risk services across your business and advise on suitable alternatives before the January 2027 deadline.

Whether your services are currently with BT or another provider, we can help you sense-check what you have and what may need attention, before it becomes urgent.