Quick Summary
Oyanet’s guide to the upcoming PSTN shutdown, explaining what it means for you and how to prepare for a smooth transition.
On January 31, 2027, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) will be discontinued, and all phone lines in the UK will transition to a fully digital network, using the internet for making and receiving calls through VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).
You may have already heard about this shift, but with all the technical jargon, recent delays, and concerns about vulnerable individuals relying on the old PSTN system, it can be hard to understand what this means for you and your household or business.
Luckily, Oyanet is here to guide you through it! We’re ready to clear up any confusion surrounding the PSTN switch-off, explain how an IP-based phone system works, and provide advice on how to smoothly transition.
Let’s start with the basics:
What is PSTN?
PSTN stands for Public Switched Telephone Network, the backbone of telephone infrastructure in the UK since the first telephone call in 1876. The system works by transmitting call audio through a network of copper wires, connecting homes and businesses to switching centres, where calls are routed and connected to the recipient.
The PSTN network supports much more than just landline calls. It also powers alarm systems, Point of Sale systems, CCTV, access control units like door intercoms, communication devices such as pagers and fax machines, and even critical healthcare systems like personal alarms.
So, with so much of the UK’s telecommunication infrastructure depending on PSTN, why are we making the switch?
Why the switch-off?
The main reason for the switch-off is that maintaining the current copper-based network is becoming increasingly challenging, complex, and expensive.
The UK has been using the same phone infrastructure for nearly 150 years. While it has served us well, the demands on the country’s telecommunication system have grown significantly in both complexity and cost, and the aging copper lines are struggling to keep up. Research by Ofcom, the UK’s telecommunications regulator, revealed that incidents involving the PSTN network rose by 20% in 2023 alone, leading to a 60% increase in customer downtime. As the network continues to age, these types of incidents are expected to become even more frequent.
The PSTN network is costly, outdated, and increasingly difficult to maintain, and its dependence on 150-year-old infrastructure that supports critical services is a major concern. Relying on an aging network of copper cables for such vital systems presents a real challenge, especially when more affordable, reliable, and higher-quality solutions are available.
What’s the solution?
The solution to this issue is VoIP!
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, works by converting your voice into a digital signal that travels over the internet, eliminating the need for physical wires. VoIP has grown rapidly in popularity, and for good reason: it’s more affordable and easier for communication companies to maintain, generally cheaper for consumers, more reliable, and provides significantly better audio quality compared to traditional copper lines.
There is still considerable work to be done in preparing for the transition. One challenge with VoIP is that, unlike copper lines, which can still function during power cuts or network outages, VoIP relies on both power and an internet connection to work. BT has already postponed the transition once, moving the switch-off date from December 2025 to January 2027. This delay was prompted by concerns that vulnerable customers, who still depend on copper phone lines for communication and personal health alarms, were not receiving adequate support for the change.
To address these concerns, Ofcom has introduced legislation requiring communication providers to prepare customers for the transition. This may involve offering portable batteries that last up to an hour in case of power cuts or providing routers with cellular connectivity (like 3G or 4G) to keep VoIP services running even if the internet connection is lost. Ofcom specifically mandates that providers must “establish, publish and comply with clear and effective policies and procedures for the fair and appropriate treatment of consumers whose circumstances may make them vulnerable.”
Additionally, the UK government is leading Project Gigabit, a £5 billion initiative aimed at improving broadband infrastructure, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. This project is essential not only for increasing broadband accessibility but also for enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the new VoIP telephony system.
How can I prepare?
As the saying goes, “The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago; the second best time is today.”
While the delay in the PSTN switch-off is helpful, it’s important not to view it as an opportunity to put off necessary action. Instead, use this time to ensure no one is left behind. A 2023 study by National Business Communications revealed that 62.1% of UK businesses still rely on landlines, and 44.8% of respondents were unaware of the upcoming switch-off.
The preparation needed will depend on your current phone setup, but planning ahead ensures your phone lines remain operational, you have a solid contingency plan, and everyone is prepared for the change.
Start by assessing your current telephony setup to identify what will need to be updated. This might extend beyond phones and include systems such as CCTV, personal alarms, Point of Sale kiosks, door intercoms, and even fax machines (we’re looking at you, lawyers!).
Once you’ve identified the areas that need to change, you’ll need to prepare for the VoIP network by selecting both a VoIP provider and VoIP-compatible hardware. Your current provider may be able to guide you through the process of transitioning, or you can explore our VoIP service .
Since old PSTN phones aren’t compatible with VoIP, you’ll need new VoIP phones for your telephony needs. Oyanet offers a wide range of intuitive, feature-rich VoIP phones, from home phones to enterprise-level solutions. Check out our selection, or get in touch with our support team to discuss your options!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my number?
Yes! You should be able to transfer your current number to a VoIP service. Contact your provider for more details on how to do this.
How will call quality be affected?
VoIP generally offers superior call quality compared to traditional copper lines. Most VoIP phones are newer and deliver clearer sound than old landline phones.
What if my internet speed is slow?
VoIP requires relatively little bandwidth, so even slower internet speeds shouldn’t have much of an impact on call quality. The key factor is connection consistency—it’s better to have a solid connection with a slower speed than an inconsistent, fast connection.
Many VoIP phones are designed to be wired directly into your router, ensuring a strong connection. If you’re considering a Wi-Fi-enabled VoIP phone, make sure you have a reliable connection throughout your home or business.
Will there be any downtime during the transition from PSTN to VoIP?
No, if you prepare ahead of time!
To avoid downtime, make sure you’re fully switched over before the PSTN network is turned off. If you wait too long or haven’t completed the transition by January 2027, your phone lines will stop working, and you’ll experience major disruption.
