How to prepare for the PSTN Switch-Off

How to prepare for the PSTN Switch-Off

The way we communicate has changed dramatically over the past few decades, yet for many businesses, the traditional “landline” is still a familiar, comforting presence. That’s about to change. The UK’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and ISDN lines, the backbone of telecoms for decades, are being switched off, with a final cut now scheduled for 31st January 2027.

For many homes, schools, and businesses, this raises a simple but pressing question:
“Are we ready?”

What will be affected?

At first glance, the switch-off may feel like something happening quietly in the background. But in reality, it affects more than just office and home phones. Many organisations rely on their lines for alarms, door entry systems, lifts, CCTV, payment terminals, and even fire monitoring systems. If these aren’t updated in time, there’s a real risk that essential services could stop working once the network is switched off.

Why the move away from Landlines?

The move away from PSTN and ISDN has been inevitable. The infrastructure is old, expensive to maintain, and increasingly unreliable. Across the world, telecoms providers have been preparing for this change for some time. Countries such as Sweden, the Netherlands, Iceland, and Estonia are already landline-free.

In the UK, the original switch-off date was 2025, but it has now been moved to January 2027. The extra time is to help businesses and vulnerable users transition safely; for example, those relying on telephones for their care or alarm systems. It also allows telecoms providers to complete testing, ensure equipment compatibility, and make full-fibre broadband more widely available. While this extension is helpful, it doesn’t mean people can wait until the last minute. Early planning is key to avoiding disruption.

The benefits of Internet-based Voice Communications

The switch to internet-based voice communications, or Voice over IP (VoIP), brings far more flexibility and capability than traditional lines ever could.

For businesses, it’s both a challenge and an opportunity. It ensures connectivity is strong and reliable, supports modern digital applications, and works for remote or hybrid teams and multi-site organisations.

Unlike old analogue systems, VoIP can integrate with existing tools, such as Microsoft Teams and Outlook, and it can give an insight into usage patterns through analytics and reporting. Calls, video meetings, and other communications can all be handled in one system, making day-to-day work simpler and more efficient.

Planning is key for your smooth transition

The first step is to take stock of everything connected to your existing PSTN or ISDN lines, not just desk phones, but every device that relies on them.

Running VoIP reliably requires a strong internet connection with low latency and decent bandwidth, so it’s worth checking that your network and routers are up to the job. You’ll also need to decide which devices need upgrading or replacing.

Planning ahead now saves stress, cost, and downtime later. It’s also a chance to look at how your business uses communications day-to-day and consider improvements that give your teams more flexibility, without adding complexity.

That’s where Commerce Business Systems (CBS) comes in. CBS works with businesses of all sizes to provide flexible, future-ready VoIP and unified communications solutions.

They partner with leading providers, including Gamma and CallSwitch, so you can be confident your systems remain flexible and are built on reliable networks. CBS integrates voice, video, and email systems seamlessly, manages the full transition from planning to installation, and provides reporting and analytics to give you control over how your communications are being used.

With CBS guiding the way, the PSTN switch-off doesn’t have to be stressful. Early preparation, a thorough audit of your systems, and expert advice can turn what might feel like a disruption into a chance to upgrade your communications and make them work harder for your business.

CBS also supply managed print systems and complete IT support so your systems can be combined, monitored, and managed by one trusted supplier.

If you would like to discuss how to prepare for the future of communication, the CBS team is here to help.

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