Everything you need to know about PSTN switch off

Every business that currently relies on the copper telephone line network should be thinking about the switch to a more modern alternative. The ageing PSTN (Packet Switched Telephone Network) is becoming less reliable and prone to problems, and will be turned off for good at the start of 2027.

Making the move to digital (all-IP) services will create more resilient, scalable and future-proof communications, and there’s plenty of help at hand. But organisations do need to start preparing their migration sooner rather than later. To kick start that process, we asked Juliette Scott, a Senior Manager at Openreach responsible for coordinating the switch off, to talk us through the basics.

You can watch the webinar here, or read on for a speedy summary of why it’s happening, what it will mean for business, and what you should be doing to get ready.

What is the switch off?

It’s the switch off of PSTN, the old copper telephone network. There are two reasons for the move. Firstly, better technology - in the form of full fibre FTTP broadband - is being rolled out around the country. Secondly, PSTN is past its best. It’s increasingly unreliable and difficult to maintain.

When will it happen?

Originally scheduled for December 2025, the final switch off has been put off till January 2027. The delay is to protect vulnerable customers, and charters have now been drawn up that tell communication providers (CPs, like Zen) how best to migrate people to the new services.

Does that mean businesses can wait till 2027 before acting?

It’s hugely advisable to migrate as soon as you can. Most CPs - Zen is one - are still trying to migrate as many customers as possible by December 2025, because the PSTN network is only likely to get less reliable over time. In 2023, there was already a 20% rise in PSTN incidents and we are seeing a much greater failure rate of legacy products compared to full fibre FTTP. At the same time, businesses that leave it very late to migrate could face delays and disruption as the deadline draws near.

What will the impact of the switch off be for business?

It depends on what you use PSTN for, but many businesses will still be using the network for card readers, CCTV systems or WiFi, among scores of other possibilities. The connectivity these systems rely on has to be migrated to an all-IP alternative.

But the change shouldn’t be seen as negative. By moving to all-IP solutions, businesses can access faster, more reliable and more scalable services. FTTP will significantly increase availability, reliability and bandwidth, allowing businesses to do much more with their connectivity.

What is SOGEA?

Full fibre is being rolled out at pace, but not everyone can get it now and not everyone will be able to get it by the switch off date. Those that can’t will be able to migrate to SOGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access) instead. SOGEA is a part fibre solution similar to FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet), with similar speeds but without the “landline” element. Voice services will be provided by a separate Digital Voice package. SOGEA is easier to install than FTTP, and is seen as a stop gap until the country as a whole can be switched to full fibre.

What steps should businesses be taking now?

The first thing to do is to find out what technology you actually use, and whether you still have systems that are reliant on PSTN. Then, engage with your CP and find out what technology is available to you. Think about what speeds you need now and what you might need in future: could it be beneficial to move up a speed tier and future-proof your business? At the same time, the transition to Digital Voice services might be an ideal time to reevaluate your requirements in this area, and take advantage of some of the sophisticated features and functionality of modern VOIP products.

Ask yourself “what have I got, what do I need and how do I get there?” and use this all-encompassing industry change to think strategically about the long-term future of your business.

• The switch off date has shifted from December 2025 to January 2027, but the message remains the same: to avoid disruption, act as soon as you can.
• Consider the switch off as a positive change, allowing you to strategically reevaluate your long-term connectivity and communications strategy.
• Review your current infrastructure and talk to your provider about switch-off ready alternatives.