Five myths businesses still believe about the PSTN switch-off

The UK’s traditional phone network is now very close to the end of its life. By January 2027, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and ISDN services will be switched off and replaced by digital alternatives that run over broadband.
Many businesses are already ready or preparing for the change. But plenty of others still have questions, assumptions, or outdated information about what the switch-off really means.
Here are five common things that businesses still believe about the PSTN switch-off – and what the reality looks like.

Myth 1: “The switch-off will probably get delayed again”

It’s true that the switch-off has been delayed before. This was to allow more time to protect vulnerable customers. But this time it’s the real deal.
Migration across the UK is firmly underway, and providers are actively moving customers onto digital services.
Waiting for another delay is unlikely to pay off. In fact, leaving it too late may reduce your options and increase the risk of disruption if services need to be changed quickly.

Myth 2: “It only affects landline phones”

Many business systems rely on PSTN lines, even if they rarely (or ever) use a phone handset.
Traditional phone lines often support more than just voice calls. They’re often used by devices and services like:

• Alarm and security systems
• Payment terminals
• Lift emergency lines
• Fax machines
• Door entry systems

Because these connections can be easy to forget about, one of the most useful things you can do is carry out a simple audit. Check which devices or services rely on a phone line so you know exactly what needs to be updated. If the system or service isn’t ready for the switch-off, it’s important to contact your supplier to discuss your options.

Myth 3: “We can deal with it later”

The switch-off is now something businesses should be actively planning for.
As of December 2025, providers can give as little as 90 days’ notice before disconnecting certain legacy services. That shorter window means businesses that wait too long could find themselves under pressure to make quick changes.
There’s also the prospect of steeply rising costs and last-minute disruption. Now’s the time to make sure you’ve properly reviewed your setup, and – if you haven’t moved already – planned your migration.

Myth 4: “Switching will be complicated or disruptive”

The reality is, with a bit of planning, most businesses transition smoothly.
Digital Voice and CloudComms services run over broadband instead of separate phone lines, allowing calls to be handled through IP connections, often with more flexibility and features than traditional systems.
And the chances are, you already have a modern broadband option available at your address, making the switch to future-proof services a pretty straightforward process.

Myth 5: “Our broadband will stop working”

There’s actually some truth to this one… but only if you don’t act.
So just to clear this one up: broadband itself isn’t being switched off, but the PSTN network that traditional phone and broadband connections rely on is.
If your business is still using a legacy connection like ADSL or FTTC, those will need to be replaced.
Most modern services – like full fibre and SoGEA broadband – don’t rely on the old phone network and will continue to work normally.
That’s why one of the most useful steps businesses can take now is simply checking what type of connection they’re using and whether it’s ready for the future. If your connection’s already future-ready, the switch-off will pass by with business as usual.

The key steps you should take now

The most important thing you can do right now is understand how your current systems work.
For most businesses, that means two simple checks:

• Audit devices and services that rely on phone lines
• Confirm that your broadband connection is ready for a digital network

If you’re unsure how the switch-off may affect your business, it’s worth reviewing your setup right now. Planning ahead gives you more time to choose the right approach and keeps disruption to a minimum.
If you have any questions about how the transition may affect your services, our team can help you review your setup and plan the next steps.