The PSTN Switch Off
The UK’s PSTN network will switch off in 2027. Why is this happening and what you need to do.
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The Switch Off by Openreach
What is happening?
The traditional landline phone network (PSTN) is being switched off by Openreach, and alllandline services are moving to digital technology/ Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services This change, which is often referred to as The PSTN Switch Off, means that phone calls will no longer be connected through the copper wire network, but instead via broadband.
Why is this happening?
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is over 100 years old and has become outdated and difficult to maintain. Transitioning to a digital system will offer a more reliable, efficient, and future-proof service. This change will ensure that your phone services continue to operate smoothly while providing new benefits associated with digital technology.
Here is BT’s take on it: The UK’s PSTN network will switch off in 2027 | BT Business
Important Markers
End of 2025
PSTN is set to be switched off by the end of 2025.
December 2025
Businesses to have transited to fully digital services to ensure uninterrupted communication.
January 2027
The final shutdown of the PSTN will take place, marking the complete shift from analogue to digital landlines.
Will we be better off with digital?
The transition to an all-digital system isn’t just necessary because the old phone system is outdated; it offers significant advantages as well.
At its most basic level, all-digital communication allows you to make and receive calls on any device, from anywhere, using the same number.
You’ll also be able to integrate your business applications and systems with video chats, calls, and collaboration tools, bringing you closer to both customers and colleagues.
With everything stored in the cloud, you can access your systems from anywhere, giving you the flexibility to work from wherever you choose.
Additionally, the cost savings that IP technology provides make it clear that moving to digital should be a top priority. There’s no reason to wait until the last minute.
What do I need to do?
Check your broadband.
As broadband has been traditionally provided over a PSTN line, customers with this sort of service will need to transition to FTTP or SOGEA connections.
Will I lose my existing telephone number?
The PSTN switch off means that telephone numbers are no longer required for broadband services including copper SOGEA broadband services. This change will result in simpler billing, as well as simplified and faster fault resolution.
As we migrate you to the new service, the phone number on your existing broadband line will be retired. As your phone line and number are provided by Datanet we know you are not making outbound calls.
If you are however using the number for inbound calls and would like to retain the phone number, please contact us so that we can talk to you about retaining the number using a VoIP service.
What is Datanet doing to help broadband customers?
As part of Datanet’s process to ensure we can offer customers access to the fastest and most reliable broadband services available, we are migrating customers to a new broadband platform and upgrading services.Â
Where possible we are moving customers to the best service available as follows:
We will be contacting our broadband customers over the next few weeks with details about new services available to replace existing connections.Â
Some locations have not yet been upgraded to the latest fibre based services, but to ensure continued reliable operation we are moving all customers to our new platform.
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