The UK’s Analogue Phone Switch-Off: What It Means for Your Business

The UK is on the brink of a significant technological shift that will impact business (and personal) users across the network. By the 31st January 2027, the traditional analogue phone network, known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), will be completely phased out for making voice calls.

This change, often referred to as the “digital switchover,” will affect everyone who still relies on traditional landline phones. Whether your company has already embraced Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology or is still using analogue systems, it’s crucial to understand what this switch-off means and how to prepare for it.

The digital switchover: what is it?

The digital switchover involves moving all communications from the old copper-based analogue systems to a modern, internet-based digital systems. This change is happening partly because of an ageing copper telephone network – some of which dates back to the 19th century – and also because of a government obligation to provide fast and reliable broadband and mobile data to enable people and businesses to fully participate in society. The new system will use VoIP technology, which transmits voice calls over the internet rather than through copper wires.

The VoIP impact on businesses

There are both positives and negatives when it comes to switching from the old to the new. Here are the main points to understand:

The positives:

• Great features out of the box: Digital phone systems offer advanced features like call routing, voicemail-to-email, hunt groups, incoming and outgoing call data and integration with many customer databases (CRMs).
• More flexibility: VoIP systems allow for working from home, working from the office or even working from a remote desert island (so long as they have good Wi-Fi). Calls can be made and received from anywhere …with your boss’s permission
• Potential cost savings: While there’s an initial investment, digital systems can lead to long-term savings on call costs, especially for international communications.
• Scalability: As your business grows, your digital system will be able to flex up or down with you without the need for extensive hardware changes.

The challenges

• You don’t really have a choice: By 31st January 2027, all businesses must make the switch to a digital phone. This is not optional, and failing to do so could result in a loss of telephone service.
• Potential disruption: Without proper planning and possibly the support of a business like FCC, the transition could lead to temporary communication disruptions, affecting customer service and internal operations.
• Additional costs: I know we said above that there would be cost savings, but we also said that upgrading to the digital system will require an initial investment in new equipment.
• Training: Although the new VoIP systems are designed to be easy to use, and you should have the support of your telecoms company, staff may need training to use new digital phone systems effectively and efficiently.

Preparation Steps

There are always ways of bringing new systems into businesses with the minimum of disruption. Businesses like FCC have years of experience in making seamless implementations, so if you’re looking for experienced assistance, it would be worth talking to a professional.

However, here are the top three points you might like to consider to get started.

1. Audit current systems: Go around your business and identify all devices and systems that rely on a telephone line – don’t forget fax machines, alarms, lift emergency phones and payment systems. Ask yourself if you really need that boardroom phone which is never used.

2. Do your research: Although we believe we can offer you an unrivalled service, you need to make your own decision. Reach out to business phone system providers to discuss options for transitioning to digital systems (and then come back to us 🙂).

3. Budget: Once you’ve done your research, plan for the costs associated with new equipment and potential upgrades.

And a bonus point – if you’re a large, or complicated business, you could consider a phased implementation where you transition site by site over a period of time to minimise any potential disruption to day-to-day business.

The Road to 2027

While January 2027 may seem a long way away, the transition is already happening. Openreach, the UK’s main telecommunications network provider, stopped selling new analogue services back in 2023.

You could also consider this a chance to not just do what needs to be done, but to review your entire communication systems and strategy. Digital technology has a whole load of options available to you that Analogue never did. Why not see how you can improve your operational efficiency, customer service, and get happier employees at the same time – change doesn’t have to be a bad thing!

Regardless of where you and your business stand, the key is to start planning now. Be proactive, and consult with experts.

It’s not just businesses

On a more personal note, make sure that you are prepared for this switchover at home as well as at work, and consider those who aren’t as comfortable with technology as you – older relatives especially. As Bob Hoskins said back in the ‘80s, “It’s good to talk”, so let’s make sure we all still can.