The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch off is a major change that you will certainly be aware of - but your customers might not. Originally designed for voice communication, the PSTN is an ageing system that is being phased out. The challenge is that many of your customers will still rely on it for a range of connectivity needs.
Openreach is leading this transition, which means your customers will have to move to newer, more reliable digital solutions sooner rather than later. To minimise disruption, you should be fully prepared to help your customers manage this change.
You may have heard that the switch off date has been extended to 2027, but this doesn't mean you should slow down your preparations... In fact, with the PSTN network becoming increasingly creaky and error-prone, you need to be more proactive than ever.
Zen is here to help. We're dedicated to raising awareness and working with our partners so that everybody is fully prepared for this once-in-a-generation transition.
The end of PSTN is not a distant event that you can forget about for the time being. Far from it... While the final switch off is scheduled for 2027, a phased shut down means that you haven't got as much time as you may think.
In October, Openrach revealed that over 5.5. million circuits still had to to transition to all-IP, and that there were around 800 days left to complete the job. To put it another way, that's 700 circuits a day or 49,000 a week! Everyone has their work cut out.
Leaving your switch off planning to the last minute puts your customers at risk of bottlenecks, delays and disruption. It could put your customers at risk too. So why not get ahead of the game? As a direct network provider, Zen has firsthand experience of migrating and upgrading customers and we are ready and waiting to support your plans. To kick your preparations off, we're offering 30 minute "Switch Off Sessions" where our Partner Experience team will review your base and formulate switch off plans that will get you well and truly switch off ready.
.gif?sfvrsn=ca5fdef4_2 "GBSO Social – Partner (1)")
Could you prepare your customers to transition in just 90 days?
Openreach, the organisation responsible for maintaining the PSTN, has announced that it can now give just 90 days' notice to cease services. This might mean that if a customer encounters a problem with a legacy product, you may have to move their line to an all-IP alternative in just 90 days.
We'll know more about how this 90-day limit might work in practice as Openreach updates us over the next few months, and we'll keep you fully informed on how Zen will support partners as the new deadline kicks in. But it's one of the many reasons we advise you to start your switch off planning sooner rather than later.
What does this mean for your customers?
The big question is, could your customers switch all of their critical systems to all-IP alternatives in just 90 days? It's complicated by the fact that many of their current systems may rely on these outdated networks - think card payment systems, CCTV, lift alarms, and more. We can help you address these challenges today.
The UK has been building towards faster, more reliable, digital connectivity for a while, and now it’s time for the switch to take place. Here’s how we’ve got to this point:
As you can see, there's a lot to think about. This is why we're urging partners to help their customers to start their planning for the switch off today.
Businesses are especially vulnerable to switch off disruption. Unlike consumers, businesses with multiple lines and specialised applications require a complex, piece-by-piece migration. This makes the switch off especially difficult for your business customers, requiring more time and effort to ensure everything transitions smoothly.
For example, businesses often find that at least some of their additional systems rely on PSTN. The above diagram gives a few common examples of third-party services that are typically connected to a legacy landline.
All in all, it’s just another reason to start planning your switch off journey today. You need time to contact all those third-party suppliers, and find out when the services your customers rely on will be available in digital (all-IP) formats.
At the same time, your customers need time to plan their move. That means porting over the telephone number that has become synonymous with their business. It also means thinking about the right replacement connectivity and voice solutions to take their business forward. The switch off is an opportunity as well as a challenge. Talk to your customers about using the transition to move to more effective technology.
The Great British Switch Off consists of two concurrently running projects.
The WLR Withdrawal covers pretty much what you’ve already read about; that is, the withdrawal of analogue (PSTN and ISDN) telephone services.
Running hand in hand with that scheme is the Full Fibre Priority Exchange programme, which is complementing the full fibre rollout to ensure full fibre becomes the predominant connectivity product across the UK.
The stop sell is well underway and will continue throughout 2025. Our Stop Sell exchange rollout table covers all the most recent Tranches that have already completed and the ones that are planned.
Follow the link below to access the latest Stop Sell exchange list for more information on when your nearest exchange is due to be switched off.
It's time to think full fibre. If you haven’t already added full fibre to your portfolio, the chances are you’re going to start missing more and more opportunities – the question is, will your competitors be doing the same?
Wondering what to do without a phone line? SOGEA enables consumers and businesses to buy a broadband connection without the need for a phone line. Instead, your customers can get a voice service on a SOGEA line.
With higher quality, faster speeds, a host of additional features, and better value to boot, it’s time to enjoy the benefits of modern business communications.
Say goodbye to buffering, bottlenecks and boredom...
And say hello to breakneck speed, and enough bandwidth to keep your customers happy.
Superfast broadband in one single order
Shakeup your business and say hello to SOGEA. All the frills with none of the fuss.
A simple, scalable solution with big business benefits
With CloudComms you can offer your customers a voice solution that's fit for the future.
Our team understands more than most that when it comes to preparing your customers for the Switch off. We're offering 30 minute "Switch Off Sessions" where our Partner Experience team will review your base and formulate Switch Off plans that provide you with all the tools to get prepared this year.
Don't want to wait? Call our team today on 01706 902581.
Or request your 30 minute Switch Off Session below.
We're committed to helping our partners get switch off ready. For existing partners, all your switch off content will be available in the campaign centre alongside a range of additional resources. They include technology audit templates, a switch off video series, whitepapers and webinars. We'll be adding more over the next few months. These resources will provide you with all the tools you need to plan your switch off strategy.
The switch over will move all landline services to digital. If a customer’s business relies on a traditional phone system connected via a landline (PSTN or ISDN), they’ll need to upgrade to our Cloud Comms service, which uses the internet for calls and other enhanced functionality.
Yes, they may need to upgrade their phones and possibly routers as well if they are not compatible with digital systems. Many businesses will need to switch to IP-enabled phones that connect directly to the internet. Contact us to discuss your customers’ needs further.
No, they will be able to keep current business phone numbers when transitioning to the new digital network. The switchover will not affect phone numbers.
The switch over means phone services will run over broadband instead of the traditional telephone network, so it’s important your customers have a reliable, high-speed internet connection. If their current broadband isn’t fast or stable enough to handle both internet and phone services, they may need to upgrade. Our Broadband for Business products will provide customers with the speed and consistent performance they need for seamless collaboration and uninterrupted Cloud Comms across all devices and locations.
Traditional fax machines that rely on landline connections may not work over digital networks and are no longer supported. In 2023 Ofcom announced it was time to say farewell to the fax machine and look for digital alternatives. Your customer will need to switch to an online fax service such as fax-to-email or contact their fax machine provider for an alternative compatible solution.
Many payment terminals use phone lines to process transactions. With the switch to digital, these terminals will need to connect via broadband or mobile networks. Your customer should speak to their payment terminal provider to decide whether their devices are compatible or require an upgrade.
Yes, security/fire alarms and CCTV systems that rely on the old landline network will need upgrading to digital. It’s important your customer contacts their security provider to check whether their system is compatible with the new digital network or if any adjustments are required.
If their business operates across multiple sites, they need to ensure each location is assessed for readiness. We can provide some guidance on how you can help your customers get started with this process.
The switch off of traditional landlines is scheduled to be complete by January 2027 to allow time for vulnerable customers and those with a telecare dependency to move safely. However, December 2025 is the date we all must work towards and it’s best to start preparing now to avoid any last-minute disruptions.
1. Advise customers to check their current equipment and identify what needs upgrading along with any third-party devices/services (phones, fax machines, payment terminals, alarms, etc.).
2. Contact relevant third parties for guidance on the digital transition. When will switch off ready alternatives to services that rely on landlines be ready?
3. Ensure your customers’ broadband is fast and reliable enough to support both internet and phone services. If not, advise them to upgrade today!
4. Plan for power outages and consider backup solutions to ensure customer businesses remain connected during any disruptions.
