Staffordshire businesses are being encouraged to check their telephone lines and connected equipment ahead of the final switch-off of the UK’s traditional public switched telephone network, or PSTN, at the end of January 2027.
With fewer than six months remaining, organisations that still use analogue lines should contact their communications provider to confirm that appropriate migration arrangements are in place.
The programme began in 2018, when around 16 million lines across the UK needed to be transferred to modern, internet-based services. Approximately 1.5 million lines remain, meaning a significant number of businesses, public services and other organisations still need to complete the change.
The switch may affect more than standard office telephones. Businesses should check equipment such as alarm systems, lift emergency phones, payment terminals, entry systems, monitoring devices, fax machines and other services that may rely on a PSTN connection.
Moving to fibre-based and digital networks can offer improved reliability, capacity and flexibility. However, organisations need to ensure that existing equipment is compatible and that appropriate back-up arrangements are available during power or internet outages.
Staffordshire businesses are advised to speak to their existing telecoms provider for advice or consult the Chamber’s members’ directory to find a local specialist able to support their migration.
carry out a final audit of their premises, identify any overlooked analogue lines and speak to
Leaving migration until the final weeks could create operational risks, particularly where essential safety, security or payment equipment is involved.
• Openreach plans to introduce an Emergency Voice service at the end of January 2027 as a temporary safety net for some remaining connected lines. However, the service will support voice calls only, will depend on available capacity at individual BT exchanges and cannot be guaranteed.
Openreach’s Digital Services Test Lab also allows equipment manufacturers and service providers to test devices using fibre-based technology across networks operated by Sky, TalkTalk, BT Consumer, BT Business, Zen and Vodafone.
