Openreach will officially switch off the UK’s traditional copper phone network – the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) – on 31st January 2027.

Though it may seem like a far-off date, migrating away from the old network is significant. Not planning for the PSTN switch-off can leave critical services unprotected and vulnerable to unexpected downtime. 

It’s important to put a plan in place now to ensure a smooth transition to a modern and digital connectivity. Here’s what businesses need to know. 

What will this affect? 

The switch-off isn’t just about broadband; it touches a surprising number of services that many businesses forget are running over a phone line. 

Copper lines have supported business connectivity for decades, so moving away from them can have a much bigger impact than many businesses expect, including: 

  • Analogue and ISDN phone lines: the traditional handsets and phone systems used for everyday calls, along with ISDN circuits that many larger organisations still rely on for their switchboards and call centres. 
  • ADSL and FTTC (copper) broadband: standard broadband connections that run over the copper network rather than full fibre, meaning internet access itself can be affected, not just calls. 
  • Lift emergency lines: the dedicated lines that connect lift emergency phones to monitoring centres, which are a legal requirement to keep working at all times. 
  • Fire and intruder alarm connections: alarm systems that dial out over a phone line to alert a monitoring centre or the emergency services when triggered. 
  • Card payment (PDQ) terminals, door entry systems and fax machines: everyday equipment that’s easy to overlook, but which often still relies on a phone line to process transactions, buzz in visitors, or send and receive documents.

Much of this equipment operates quietly in the background, so it can be easily overlooked until something stops working. 

Reviewing everything that currently relies on a phone line gives you time to identify potential issues and make the necessary changes well before the switch-off. 

What happens to these services? 

All services running over the copper network will need to move to an equivalent digital alternative before the switch-off date.

Broadband can be migrated to products that run outside the traditional PSTN infrastructure entirely, and businesses that still rely on traditional telephone numbers can move these across to a digital service, such as Teams Telephony, without losing their existing number. 

For equipment that depends on a phone line, such as fax machines, alarm systems and lift services, businesses will need to speak with a trusted provider about switching that device or service over to a digital method of connectivity.

In most cases, this simply means moving it onto a standard internet connection rather than the copper line it currently uses. 

Planning this migration in good time makes it possible to move services over in a controlled way, rather than facing disruption when the copper network is finally switched off. 

What should you do next? 

The first step to managing the PSTN switch-off is understanding what’s still running over a copper line across your organisation.

Once you have a clearer picture of where you stand, and where the gaps are, it’s much easier to plan ahead with confidence. 

Arc can help you address those gaps, from migrating your broadband and communication services to reviewing the equipment and devices that may still be relying on the old network. 

Not sure where to start? The Arc team can talk you through your options and help you plan the changes ahead.