Phone lines and other analogue technology need to be ready for the big PSTN switch-off. We’re urging businesses to migrate off the aging PSTN to All-IP by the end of December 2025 to safeguard their services, well before the final shutdown of the network in January 2027.

Our existing traditional phone network is being replaced with a newer, shinier version.

Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is an analogue, legacy platform using underground copper wires to enable communication. But this hardware can no longer sustain modern requirements and is become increasingly fragile and prone to failure. Ofcom’s recent Connected Nations report highlights that in 2024, the number of significant PSTN resilience incidents reported increased sharply by 45%.

So, we’re switching to a fully digital phone network using IP (Internet Protocol) technology. Every phone line in the UK will be digital, routing calls over IP rather than the traditional PSTN. Any remaining services not switched to the new digital network will be lost.

Alongside PSTN, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) lines are being put to bed. In 1986, some older analogue landlines were replaced with ISDN, improving the service and adding features that weren’t available with the traditional telephone system. Although it was an upgrade then, ISDN is now outdated and unable to compete with IP technology.

Yes. As an essentially 20th century technology, the PSTN network is increasingly out of kilter with the demands of modern communications. As people switch to mobile and internet communications, everyone demands much more than the traditional technologies were designed to deliver. It’s now time to leap forward from PSTN to IP and embrace the boundless possibilities of digital.

Even at the basic level, you’ll be able to make and take calls on any device, from wherever you are on the same number. You’ll be able to link your business applications and systems to video chat, calls and collaboration, so you’re closer to customers and colleague. And, with everything stored in the cloud, you’ll be able to access your systems from anywhere and work from any location.

Cloud telephony is an internet-based service that lowers the cost of a business phone solution by removing the need for expensive equipment at the business premise. It’s an application of VoIP technology that provides more advanced features and flexibility by leveraging cloud infrastructure.

While IP technology does encompass cloud telephony, it also includes SIP. This is an internet-based telephone numbering solution to enable legacy premise-based equipment.

The switch to digital is happening everywhere, fast. As technology and customer behaviour changes, phone companies across the world are moving from analogue to digital. Germany, Japan, and Sweden are ahead of us in making the shift. Estonia and The Netherlands have already switched off their PSTN networks.

We need to start planning your move today because there could be a lot to do. Remember, it’s not just about calls. Everything connected to your phone lines, like door entry systems and alarms needs to reviewed. Many businesses have already embraced an all-digital model by moving their communications to the cloud, making calls over the internet, and embracing video conferencing.

Take a look how to kick-start your move to IP for some pointers on where to start.

You can also discover IP insights and what is IP technology.