BT Openreach has announced that in 2025, they will permanently switch off the UK’s old analogue telephone network (ISDN and PSTN). This action will completely shift communications technology into a digital space and every phone line in the UK will become digital, with calls routed over internet-based technology known as VoIP or IP.

The process has in fact already started, as Openreach will stop selling copper products in over 460 locations between now and August 2022. From September 2023, Openreach will NOT provide new phone lines in the UK.

As a business owner you need to familiarise yourself with the BT switch off timeline and make sure that you are prepared.

The copper wire system in use today was implemented way back in the 1800’s and still relies on technology created centuries ago. Maintaining these outdated systems is becoming increasingly problematic and expensive, with increased costs being passed on to the end user. As technology is advancing exceptionally fast, there is now an abundance of data transmission options available which are faster, more dependable and more cost effective. Phone companies around the world have already started making the leap to all-digital networks and the UK is behind other countries in this regard.

The BT switch off in 2025 will affect everyone in the UK, including homes and businesses currently operating ISDN or PSTN. If you, like many other companies in the UK, are still reliant on fixed landlines for communication, then you will be affected. Your business will need to find alternative methods of data transmission to maintain communication coverage. It is not only phone services you need to think about, but anything connected to ISDN and PSTN lines like Security Systems (CCTV, Alarms, Door Entry Systems), credit card machines, fax machines etc.

You need to start planning and looking at everything connected to phone lines. Security Systems (CCTV, Alarms, Door Entry Systems), credit card machines, fax machines etc. that have not been updated to digital technology, will no longer work after the 2025 deadline. It is estimated that two-thirds of large UK companies already use VoIP and are reaping the benefits of cost savings and increased flexibility and reliability. There are a vast range of VoIP business solutions on offer and although there is still plenty of time, it pays to get ahead of the game.