The UK's Public Switched Telephone Network — the copper analogue phone system — is being switched off. Openreach stopped selling new analogue lines some time ago, and the full stop has been set for 31 January 2027 after the original 2025 date was pushed back to protect vulnerable users and telecare customers.
The bits people forget
Everyone remembers the desk phones. What catches businesses out is everything else plugged into a phone line:
- Intruder and fire alarm diallers
- Lift emergency phones
- Door entry systems
- Card payment terminals on dial-up
- Fax machines still used for NHS or legal correspondence
- Franking machines
Each of these needs either an IP replacement or a mobile/GSM alternative, and some need a visit from the company that installed them rather than from us.
What to do, in order
- List every line you pay for, including ones nobody answers. Your bill is the best place to start.
- Work out what's on each one. Ring them if you're not sure.
- Move voice to a hosted system — this is usually cheaper than the lines it replaces and gives you call recording, mobile apps and proper reporting.
- Sort the non-voice devices separately. Alarms and lifts are safety items and are worth doing early.
- Check your broadband is up to it. If you're on the same copper for internet, plan the connectivity move at the same time.
We handle this migration regularly for Hampshire businesses and will do the line audit with you.