The UK’s Copper Phone Network Is Being Switched Off
Modern businesses increasingly rely on a single internet line for business communications, enabling voice, data, and cloud services to run seamlessly without disruption.
By 31 January 2027, the UK’s legacy PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and ISDN services will be permanently switched off. That means landlines, ADSL broadband, fax machines, alarm systems, lift lines, card terminals, and more will stop working if they rely on the old copper network.
This isn’t just a telecoms update, it’s a fundamental infrastructure shift affecting businesses across every sector.
What’s Changing and When?
The switch-off is already underway. In September 2023, Openreach stopped selling new PSTN-based services. Between now and 2027, existing services are being phased out completely.
Key dates:
- Now – No new PSTN/ISDN installations allowed
- December 2025 – Stop-sell zones and major regional withdrawal begins
- January 2027 – Full national switch-off deadline
Why This Matters
If your business still relies on:
- Traditional landline phones
- ADSL or FTTC broadband
- Fax machines or security alarms
- EPOS terminals or lift emergency lines
…these systems will soon stop working unless they’re upgraded. Waiting too long could mean service disruption, costly emergency upgrades, or even downtime that impacts your operations and revenue.
The Good News: There’s a Better Way
The future is all-IP communications—using modern, internet-based systems to handle voice, data, and devices more efficiently. By switching to:
- VoIP phone systems
- SIP trunking for existing PBX
- FTTP, SoGEA or leased line broadband
…you’ll get:
- Lower costs and simpler billing
- Flexible, cloud-based calling from anywhere
- Modern features like call recording and voicemail-to-mail
- A future-proof platform that scales with your business
What Should You Do Now?
Here’s a simple action plan for SMEs:
- Audit everything using a copper phone line: phones, broadband, alarms, tills, lifts, etc.
- Speak to your provider (that’s us!) about migrating to VoIP or SIP solutions.
- Upgrade broadband if needed to support IP voice reliably.
- Plan—don’t wait until the last minute when demand peaks.
How Cerberus Networks Can Help
We support UK businesses with:
- VoIP and SIP solutions tailored to small business needs
- FTTP and SoGEA broadband with integrated security options
- Expert guidance through the whole migration
- Fully managed onboarding, including TR-069 router configuration where supported
- Reseller portal for quick and easy ordering if you’re a channel partner
Make the Switch Now
2027 might sound far off—but transitioning your systems takes time. Planning now means you can migrate smoothly, avoid panic upgrades, and start benefiting from more modern, cost-effective tech today.
Let Cerberus Networks help future-proof your business before the copper switch-off is complete.