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Are You Ready for the Big Analogue Switch-Off?

analogue switch-off

Introduction

The UK’s telecom landscape is changing. By January 2027, analogue switch-off for telecom services — including copper-based PSTN and ISDN lines, traditional landlines, and older 2G/3G mobile networks — will be permanently retired.

For organisations large and small, this isn’t just a technical upgrade — it’s a major shift in how you communicate. It affects phone lines, alarms, payment terminals, intercoms, and more. Planning ahead now means avoiding disruption later.

What Exactly Is Changing?

  • The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and ISDN, which have powered UK voice and legacy services for decades, are being retired.
  • All telecom providers are moving toward digital voice services — often called Digital Voice, VoIP, or All-IP phones.
  • Devices that depend on analogue lines — fax machines, old alarm systems, payment terminals, intercoms, telecare/telehealth devices — may cease to function unless updated, adapted, or replaced.

The Timeline & Who Is Affected

  • The telecom industry has set January 2027 as the deadline for full migration of PSTN services.
  • Many users, both residential and business, will be contacted by their provider ahead of migration, with guidance for what they need to do.
  • Some areas and users—especially those with telecare devices, older or vulnerable users, or those without broadband—will need special attention, transitional support, or interim solutions.
  • According to official UK government guidance, organisations (including local authorities) must audit all PSTN-dependent devices

How This Affects Businesses: Risks and Opportunities

Risks of Not Preparing:

  • Your phones or alarm systems may stop working unexpectedly
  • Payment terminals or other business-critical systems tied to analogue lines may fail
  • Emergency services access during power cuts or when internet fails may be compromised without backup solutions
  • Unexpected costs from last-minute changes, replacement hardware, or emergency work
  • A report by the Communications Consumer Panel shows many users are not yet aware of how the migration will affect legacy devices.

Opportunities for Early Movers:

  • Migrate smoothly to modern, cloud-based communications with fewer surprises
  • Streamline operations – avoid maintaining old, failing tech
  • Gain added features: better call quality, flexibility for remote/hybrid work, call routing, etc.
  • Improved resilience and more predictable costs

What You Need to Do to Prepare

  1.  Audit your current systems
    List every device or service that depends on analogue lines — phones, alarms, payment systems, intercoms, telecare, etc.
  2. Talk to your communications provider
    Find out when your local area will be migrated, what options they provide, and what you need to do.
  3. Evaluate alternatives
    Look at VoIP/Digital Voice, adaptors for devices, battery backup solutions for phone devices/routers. If broadband isn’t present, check what interim services might be available.
  4. Ensure continuity for vulnerable setups
    If you rely on telecare devices, personal alarms, or other critical services, make sure their compatibility is checked and backup plans are in place. Providers are required to support vulnerable customers.
  5. Plan for training and technical migration

Ensure staff know how to use new systems, test them, and prepare for any edge cases.

You may want to follow BT’s business guide for switching from ISDN/PSTN to avoid service disruption.

Why Digital Voice / VoIP Makes Sense

  • Improved reliability & quality: Digital voice tends to offer clearer calls and more stability.
  • Future-proofing: As legacy analogue lines are phased out, newer technologies are built for extension, security, and integration.
  • Flexibility: Supports remote or hybrid working, multiple devices, call routing, voicemail-to-email, etc.
  • More efficient maintenance, often with lower costs

JSL’s Role in the Transition

We understand that for many SMEs, schools, and organisations, change like this feels daunting. JSL can help you through every step:

  • Audit your current setup for analogue dependencies
  • Plan migration to VoIP or other digital voice systems tailored to your organisation
  • Provide the hardware and adaptors needed
  • Assist with installation, testing, and staff training
  • Offer ongoing support and monitoring so nothing is left to chance

Conclusion

If your organisation has not yet started preparing for the analogue switch-off, now is the time. Waiting risks disruption, unexpected costs, and potential breakdowns in communication.

By acting early — auditing, planning, training, and working with an experienced partner — you can ensure a smooth transition, stay connected, and unlock the benefits of modern communications.

Is your business ready for the change? Contact JSL today to begin your digital voice migration plan.

Transform the way you communicate. Introducing our state-of-the-art VoIP services, the future of communication is here! We handle everything from consultation, installation, provisioning, hardware, training and support offering a complete end to end solution all at a low monthly cost.

JSL Services Group Limited

About JSL Group

Since 2003, JSL has been supporting Buckinghamshire businesses, schools, and charities with reliable IT support, managed services, and cybersecurity solutions. As a Microsoft Partner, our mission is to simplify IT so you can focus on what matters most. Take the stress out of IT with a free, no-obligation audit.

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