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The PSTN switch-off: what to do before January 2027.
The UK’s old copper phone network closes for good on 31 January 2027. If your business still has traditional phone lines, ISDN, or devices plugged into them, you need to move before then. Here’s what that means, in plain English.
- Keep your existing phone numbers
- No downtime when we switch you
- Telecoms clients save 36% on average
Book a free PSTN audit
Tell us what your business needs. No hard sell we promise.
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It’s not just your phones.
Anything plugged into a phone line needs checking before the switch-off. These are the things we find most often in Kent offices, shops and warehouses.
Phone lines & ISDN
Office phone lines and ISDN phone systems stop working. We move your numbers to VoIP so nothing changes for your callers.
Burglar & fire alarms
Alarms that dial out over a phone line may stop reporting. Many need a digital or 4G communicator - check with your alarm company.
Card payment machines
Terminals that connect over a phone line need moving to broadband, Wi-Fi or a SIM before the switch-off.
Lifts & door entry
Lift emergency phones and door entry systems often use a phone line. Speak to your lift and access providers now.
Franking, fax & telecare
Franking machines, fax lines and telecare or monitoring devices all need checking and, in most cases, replacing.
Older broadband
ADSL and some FTTC broadband depend on a phone line. We move you to full fibre or SoGEA, which doesn’t need one.
The deadline is fixed. It won’t move.
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is the copper-wire phone network the UK has used for over a century. Openreach is retiring it, along with ISDN lines, and replacing it with digital services that run over broadband. Openreach has confirmed the final date won’t change.
- Traditional phone lines and ISDN are being retired
- Replaced by digital services that run over broadband
- Install slots get busier as the deadline approaches
Dates from Openreach, reported by ISPreview in September 2026. Not sure where you stand? Ask us →
From 1 February 2027, any remaining lines move to a temporary “emergency voice access” service where technically possible. It’s limited, more expensive, and not a long-term fix.
The deadline
The copper phone network closes on 31 January 2027. Openreach has confirmed the date won’t move.
Our telecoms clients save 36% on average after switching.
Five steps to switch in time.
- 01Audit every line and device
List everything that uses a phone line. We’ll do this for you, for free.
- 02Talk to your other providers
Ask your alarm, card-machine and lift providers about digital-ready alternatives.
- 03Move your numbers to VoIP
Switch to a VoIP system such as 3CX. You keep your numbers, and usually cut costs.
- 04Upgrade your broadband
Move to full fibre or SoGEA, which doesn’t need a phone line.
- 05Don’t leave it late
Engineers and install slots get busier as the deadline approaches.
How AVAIO helps: we’re a certified 3CX Partner and a business connectivity provider based in Maidstone. We’ll audit your lines, move your numbers to VoIP with no downtime, upgrade your broadband and deal with every supplier along the way.
No. We port your existing numbers to VoIP, so your callers dial the same numbers they always have.
After 31 January 2027, remaining lines move to a temporary emergency voice service where possible. It’s limited, more expensive, and not a long-term solution.
Not necessarily. Many older alarms need upgrading or a digital or 4G communicator. Check with your alarm company - we’re happy to help you work out what to ask.
Not always. Many businesses switch to the 3CX mobile and desktop apps, or reuse compatible handsets.
Our 3CX VoIP phone system is £14 per user per month + VAT, with no contracts. See VoIP phone systems →
It depends on how many lines and devices you have and what broadband you need. After your free audit we’ll give you a clear plan and timeline - and the earlier you start, the easier it is to get install slots.
Beat the deadline without the hassle.
Book a free PSTN audit. We’ll list every line and device you have, tell you what needs to change, and give you a fixed quote - even if you don’t switch with us.