PSTN Switch Off in the Midlands

With the PSTN Migration deadline approaching, legacy phone lines will soon be shut down.
Upgrading to VoIP ensures you avoid downtime and keep your business running smoothly.
Let us help get you ready for the change without the hassle.

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* The time until 31st January 2027 when the Nationwide PSTN Switch Off Happens

Concerned about the BT PSTN switch off? Get in touch for a FREE quote, help or advice >

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Trusted by over 40,000 + UK businesses

How will businesses be affected by the PSTN switch off?

The PSTN switch off marks the end of traditional analogue telephone lines in the UK. BT is urging all Midlands and UK businesses to transition over to a fully digital service by the end of 2025 so that when they finally flip the switch in January 2027, there is no disruption to your business or customers.

Many businesses still use PSTN or ISDN phone lines, fax machines, alarm systems and payment terminals, and if this is your company, the change will impact you. Waiting too long to migrate your system over could end up causing delays and disruptions to your services, causing lost business continuity and increased costs.

Like a crowd all trying to exit a venue at the same time, it benefits you to get ahead of the game and make the switch sooner rather than later. Businesses are being strongly advised to migrate to a digital service by the end of 2025 to avoid disruption. The time to act is now!

Learn more about the BT ISDN Switch Off >

Your Digital Switchover, Made Easy

Seamless Digital Migration

Our team will manage the entire migration process, switching your analogue systems to digital ones with the minimum of disruption. Our fast turnaround time meaning you can continue being laser-focused on your business.

Easy VoIP Installation

Our team will install your VoIP system with zero hassle, and you’ll be up and running from day one. The switch is simple, fast and completely customised to your needs. You’ll barely notice the changeover. Learn more about VoIP today.

Work With Switch Off Experts

Ever since BT announced the switch off back in 2017, we’ve been helping UK businesses to prepare, which is why we’re experts. Our team are on hand to offer tailored advice, free quotes and complete end-to-end support.

Enhance Your Communications

A digital phone system isn’t a mere replacement; it’s an upgrade! Able to offer so much more than traditional analogue phone lines, with VoIP you’ll be able to use HD voice, video calling, CRM integration and so many other features.

Become More Sustainable

VoIP Phone Systems and Full fibre business broadband are both much more energy-efficient and requires less resources than PSTN lines, making for a more sustainable communication infrastructure.

Don't just take our word for it

With over 40,000 business customers across our portfolio of products and with over 3600 positive reviews across our group, customer service is the main area of focus for Birmingham Telecom. We believe that if you offer good service, then everything else will fall into place, a practice that has served us well since incorporation back in 2006.

    
 
 
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We Partner With Only The Best

Our reputation has remained flawless during the 17 years of trading and continues to depend upon the solutions we provide. We have developed trusted, long-term partnerships with many of the market-leading technology vendors to deliver secure, future proof communications solutions to our clients.

How can Birmingham Telecom help?

Birmingham Telecom has already helped hundreds of businesses across the Midlands and the UK to make the leap seamlessly from PSTN to fast, affordable and effective solutions.

Our expert team will manage every step of your business’s migration journey with minimal downtime, no lost contacts and upgraded services at often lower costs.

It makes no difference if you’re a sole trader or a vast corporation; the ISDN and PSTN Switch Off will impact your business, and Birmingham Telecom is here to help you make the leap. We tailor our solutions to your company’s needs.

What are the Benefits of the UK PSTN Switch Off

Faster, Reliable Digital Services

Digital services offer better call quality, faster connection speeds and better data uploading compared to ageing PSTN lines, giving your business smoother operations.

Improved Efficiency

Having phone connections joined to internet functions helps to streamline comms and reduce manual processes. Integrating mobiles, CRM, video and cloud services improves efficiency,

More Cost Effective

Businesses will see immediate savings when migrating from PSTN. Frequently, digital phone systems have lower rental, maintenance and call costs ensuring solid, long term savings.

Future Proof Technology

Going digital means saying goodbye to outdated, inflexible infrastructure. Scale quickly, add users or locations without fuss, and stay compatible with the latest software and services.

More Sustainable

Both VoIP Phone Systems and Full fibre connectivity is more energy-efficient and requires less resources than PSTN lines, making for a more sustainable communication infrastructure.

When is the PSTN being switched off?

Pushed back to the end of January 2027, to ensure elderly and other more vulnerable customers have been helped to move their systems over, the final ISDN and PSTN switch off is coming!

BT is urging all UK businesses to make their move to a digital service by December 2025 to prevent service disruptions and avoid losing access to phone and other systems, such as alarms, card machines or fax services that also operate currently on the network.

Leaving the PSTN migration of your services could leave your business without critical communication tools. Get ahead of the rush and plan your PSTN migration now to protect your operations from future connectivity issues.

Get your FREE BT ISDN Switch Off Review! Call us on 0121 716 8888

Work With Birmingham Telecom for the PSTN Switch Off

Eliminate the unnecessary hassle by entrusting us with your changeover process. We will take care of everything, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition that minimizes any disruptions to your day-to-day operations

Benefit from our team of skilled experts based in the UK, as we provide robust technical support to all our clients. By partnering with Birmingham Telecom, you can stay ahead of the UK’s Switch Off and stay one step ahead in the evolving communications landscape.

Your Digital Switchover, Made Easy

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PSTN Switch Off FAQs

Why is PSTN being phased out?

PSTN is based on ageing copper wire technology that was never designed for today’s high-speed digital communications.

Maintaining this infrastructure has become costly and inefficient. The PSTN switch off is happening for several reasons:

The advancement and widespread adoption of digital communication technologies that offer better efficiency, flexibility, as well as being more cost effective for all involved.
Maintaining and supporting outdated ISDN and PSTN infrastructure has become increasingly expensive for BT Openreach.

BT is phasing out the PSTN in favour of modern, internet-based services like VoIP and SIP, which offer more flexibility, better quality, and improved features. The PSTN switch off is part of a wider strategy to future-proof the UK’s telecom infrastructure and bring it in line with modern digital standards.

What is the PSTN Switch Off?

The PSTN switch off refers to the planned phasing out of Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) services by BT Openreach.

It involves the transition from traditional PSTN-based voice communication to modern, internet-based technologies like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), fibre to the premises (FTTP) and other digital alternatives.

The PSTN switch off is happening in 2025, means a full transition from analogue to digital technology and there is no way to avoid it

When is the PSTN switch off taking place?

BT announced that the UK ISDN Switch Off and PSTN Switch Off will take place in two phases.

The first phase

This involves a “a stop sell” of new services and begins on 5th September 2023.

This stop sell prevents telephone providers from placing PSTN single line orders, PSTN multi line orders plus any order for ISDN2, ISDN30 and ADSL, FTTC and G.Fast broadband products.

When this deadline is reached you will no longer be able to :-

Transfer any legacy services “Like for Like” between suppliers (PSTN, ISDN ADSL or FTTC)
Place an order to take over a working line Restart a phone line that is currently “stopped” ie. when you move into a new property with a phone socket on the wall
Amend your ISDN DDI range
Increase or decrease your ISDN channels
Convert single analogue lines to multi lines or ISDN
Amend select services on any phone line
Add Broadband (ADSL and FTTC) to PSTN lines
Migrate to non-ultrafast broadband products

What services does the PSTN Switch Off affect?

The UK Switch off will affect business using either ISDN or PSTN technology.

Most commonly, the following services use either analogue or ISDN phone lines and need to be upgraded.

Analog telephone lines and voice calls made through PSTN or ISDN will be affected. Both businesses and residential customers will need to migrate to alternative voice services such as Voice over IP (VoIP) or digital telephony solutions.

Fax machines that rely on PSTN or ISDN connections for sending and receiving fax messages will need to be replaced or upgraded to digital alternatives.

Alarm systems that utilize PSTN or ISDN for monitoring and communication, such as burglar alarms or fire alarms, will require alternative methods of connectivity. Alarm system vendors should be contacted to explore options like cellular or internet-based monitoring.

Payment card machines that use PSTN or ISDN lines for transaction processing, such as point-of-sale (POS) terminals, may require migration to IP-based payment solutions or newer card readers that support IP connectivity or a mobile SIM.

Emergency services such as medical alert systems or emergency call points, may be affected by the PSTN switch off. If you use these services, please contact your providers as soon as possible to ensure continuity through alternative communication methods.

Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) systems that rely on PSTN or ISDN connections for real-time transactions and reporting may need to transition to IP-based or wireless solutions to maintain functionality.

Lift emergency phones that operate on PSTN or ISDN networks will require migration to alternative communication technologies, ensuring uninterrupted access to emergency services.

Telecare services that use PSTN or ISDN for remote monitoring and support for elderly or vulnerable individuals may need to switch to alternative methods such as mobile or internet-based solutions.

Conference calling systems utilizing PSTN or ISDN lines for audio conferencing may require migration to VoIP-based conferencing solutions or online meeting platforms.

Some broadcast services, such as radio station phone-ins or call-in shows, that rely on PSTN or ISDN lines for live interactions with listeners may need to transition to digital platforms or VoIP-based call-in systems.

It’s important to note that your own specific service provider may already offer alternative solutions or guidelines.

If you need any help or need advice relating to any of these services, please contact us on 0121 716 8888.

Why is the PSTN switch off happening?

The PSTN switch off is happening for several reasons.

One primary reason is the advancement and widespread adoption of digital communication technologies that offer better efficiency, flexibility, as well as being more cost effective for all involved.

Additionally, maintaining and supporting outdated ISDN infrastructure has become increasingly expensive for BT Openreach which makes this transition to digital voice necessary.

Who will be affected by the PSTN switch off?

Any business, organisation, or individual still using traditional landline services—including ISDN and PSTN lines—will be directly affected.

This includes systems using analogue technology such as fax machines, alarm systems, lift emergency lines, payment terminals and traditional telephones.

If your technology relies on copper-line connectivity, it will stop working after the PSTN switch off unless you migrate to a digital solution. Businesses that delay the transition risk losing critical communication services.

What are the benefits of migrating from PSTN?

Whilst daunting when first thinking about the PSTN Switch off, migrating from PSTN to modern telephony offers several benefits and future proofs your business.

These benefits include significant cost saving, increased flexibility, improved homeworking capability, enhanced features (at no additional cost) as well as overall improved call quality and a better level of service from your provider.

What is the deadline for switching?

While the final BT PSTN switch off date is 31 January 2027, BT has strongly urged that users, and especially businesses, must migrate by December 2025 to avoid potential disruption.

That gives businesses less than six months to complete their PSTN migration, which includes evaluating their current infrastructure, selecting a suitable digital replacement, and completing installation and testing.

Delaying this process could lead to service outages, increased migration costs, or a rushed and poorly executed changeover.

Are there cost benefits to switching?

Absolutely.

Businesses choosing PSTN migration to digital telecoms typically enjoy:

Lower monthly rental and call charges

Reduced maintenance costs

Greater scalability without costly line installations

Bundled services for better value

In fact, Birmingham Telecom customers save up to 82% on monthly costs compared to legacy lines. Additionally, VoIP and SIP systems are more future-proof, so you avoid costly upgrades later.

What is replacing PSTN?

The PSTN switch off will see all analogue services replaced with digital solutions, primarily:

VoIP: (Voice over Internet Protocol) – which uses your internet connection to make and receive phone calls.

SIP: (Session Initiation Protocol) – which enables scalable voice and video communication over IP networks.

These technologies are more flexible, scalable and cost-effective.

They also support advanced features such as mobile integration, video calling, CRM connectivity and cloud functionality and more. Get in touch with our team to discuss your business’s requirements and discover the possibilities.

Will I need new equipment?

In many cases, yes. While some existing devices may be compatible with VoIP/SIP using adapters, most businesses will need to upgrade to IP-enabled phones, routers or PBX (Private Branch Exchange) systems.

Birmingham Telecom offers a full range of modern hardware solutions, from entry-level VoIP handsets to full-featured unified communications platforms. We’ll advise on the most efficient and cost-effective setup to suit your size and budget.

Why not contact our friendly, expert team today to discuss your requirements?

What do I need to do to prepare for the switch-off?

To prepare for the PSTN switch off, we would strongly recommend taking an early, staged approach when considering your options. Whilst most small businesses can be migrated quickly, larger projects need planning and can take time

Ultimately, implement an early, phased migration strategy to minimise disruption to your business.

Evaluate your current communication infrastructure and identify how PSTN is being used in your business.
Get advice on how alternative technologies such as VoIP, cloud-hosted telephone systems and digital telephony systems can help you.
Engage with a service provider like Birmingham Telecom to understand your migration options and timelines.
Plan the PSTN migration process, including assessing hardware and software requirements.
Ensure that your employees are trained on the new technology, the new systems and tools implemented.
Test the new solution and ensure compatibility with existing applications and services.

Will the PSTN switch off affect emergency services or alarm systems?

Emergency services and alarm systems that rely on PSTN connections will be impacted by the switch off.

Whilst it is rare we come across any business that uses PSTN for their alarm services, this is still a valid question and will likely impact some companies.

Most alarm providers are already aware of the impact the BT switch off will have and for years have already been working on alternative solutions to ensure the continuity of critical services.

If you feel like you could be affected, we would recommend that you contact the respective alarm system supplier to discuss your migration options and any necessary upgrades.

Can we keep our existing phone numbers when migrating from PSTN?

Yes, you certainly can.

Going digital does not mean your business has to lose its established phone number.

When you switch to us, you’ll be able to make calls on any device and from anywhere on the same phone number. Want to change numbers to something a bit more on brand or have a new non-geographic number? No problem, because you can do that too.

The process we use is known in the industry as “number porting” or “number transfer” and is a standard service we offer for pretty much every customer we work with. Your customers will still reach you the same way they always have, even after the PSTN switch off.

Keeping your number means you maintain brand continuity and avoid customer confusion.

Will the PSTN switch off affect our internet connection?

In a nutshell, the PSTN Switch Off primarily impacts voice communication services rather than internet connectivity.

That said, there are still some businesses we come across that still use PSTN for data (their internet connection). This is a legacy technology that offers extremely slow download speeds and it has been outdated now for many years.

Any business customer that is still using PSTN for data services should immediately assess their internet connectivity options and consider upgrading to full fibre broadband or a dedicated leased line alongside their voice migration.

What challenges could we face?

We find that in most cases, the transition from PSTN to digital voice is quick and simple (of course when handled correctly).

That said, we would recommend that you don’t overlook potential challenges you may face when migrating away from PSTN. These include ensuring compatibility of new technologies with your existing infrastructure, training your team on the new systems and working with a partner who can handle the migration process without disruption to your day-to-day operations.

When you discuss the PSTN switch off with Birmingham Telecom, we always like to have a detailed discussion with you either over the phone or if possible, face-to-face which will allow us to get a feel for your work environment and how you currently use your existing legacy systems.

Can we move away from PSTN before the switch off date?

Absolutely. We would strongly recommend that you at least consider your options sooner rather than later. You should start planning and make the migration well in advance of the PSTN switch off date to avoid disruption later.

It is estimated that over 65% of small businesses are still not aware of the PSTN switch switch could lead to a huge influx of people trying to switch to digital voice closer to the switch off date. If this happens there of course will be huge demand placed on BT Openreach who lay and install the infrastructure whilst service providers like ourselves will be swamped with orders which could cause delays!

Will there be downtime during the switch?

When handled correctly, the PSTN migration process can be completed with zero downtime.

Birmingham Telecom specialises in seamless transitions with no disruption to your daily operations. We manage all technical steps behind the scenes—testing your new digital services before the final cutover—so your team won’t even notice the change.

With the right planning, your business will remain online, responsive and fully functional throughout the process.

The PSTN switch off impacts voice communication services rather than internet connectivity, so your internet connection won’t be impacted by the switch off.

Some emergency services and alarm systems that rely on PSTN connections will be impacted, and it will be important to contact the alarm system supplier to discuss any necessary upgrades.

Will my business experience service disruption during the switch?

Not with us.

We take pride in delivering disruption-free PSTN migration services. By carefully planning the changeover, pre-configuring equipment, and scheduling cutovers at quiet times, we eliminate downtime.

You’ll stay connected throughout the process—and we provide ongoing support after migration to ensure everything works exactly as it should.

I need some guidance. Can you help?

Yes!

We have already helped over 1,000 UK businesses with the PSTN and ISDN Switch Off. Birmingham Telecom offers complete end-to-end PSTN migration services, including:

Expert consultation
Site assessment
Customised migration plans
Hardware supply and installation
VoIP or SIP setup and configuration
Number porting
Billing setup
Ongoing support and maintenance

We’ve helped hundreds of UK businesses navigate the PSTN switch off already—and we’re ready to help you too.

" An amazing, professional, above and beyond service. Where our old suppliers were terrible and misleading, Birmingham Telecom have been extremely helpful and forthcoming with any issues or charges that we would incur. Can highly recommend this company "

David Edwards

Prime Facility Services

So Is Your Business Ready For The PSTN Switch Off?

As the major PSTN switch off event approaches in 2027, it becomes crucial to prepare your business for the future by embracing full fibre-readiness and transitioning your phone systems to digital.

Failing to do so puts your daily operations at risk of potential disruptions. Stay ahead of the game and take advantage of our FREE PSTN Switch Off Review and we’ll get you ready for the great big switch off.

PSTN Switch Off in the Midlands

How will businesses be affected by the PSTN switch off?

Your Digital Switchover, Made Easy

Seamless Digital Migration

Easy VoIP Installation

Work With Switch Off Experts

Enhance Your Communications

Become More Sustainable

Don't just take our word for it

We Partner With Only The Best

How can Birmingham Telecom help?

What are the Benefits of the UK PSTN Switch Off

Faster, Reliable Digital Services

Improved Efficiency

More Cost Effective

Future Proof Technology

More Sustainable

When is the PSTN being switched off?

Get your FREE BT ISDN Switch Off Review! Call us on 0121 716 8888

Work With Birmingham Telecom for the PSTN Switch Off

Your Digital Switchover, Made Easy

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BUSINESS INTERNET

DIGITAL VOICE

BT ISDN SWITCH OFF

PSTN Switch Off FAQs

" An amazing, professional, above and beyond service. Where our old suppliers were terrible and misleading, Birmingham Telecom have been extremely helpful and forthcoming with any issues or charges that we would incur. Can highly recommend this company "

David Edwards

Prime Facility Services

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