Landline replacement
Prepare for the PSTN switch off
We’re all familiar with the copper wire telephone network: in use since 1876, it’s kept business communications’ going for years. But that’s all about to change.
In 2025, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is being switched off by BT Openreach, which means everyone, including businesses, currently using PSTN-based services will need to move to another service before then.
The alternative? Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), a solution that transmits voice calls and data using an internet connection.
This is a major step towards the United Kingdom’s mass IP-network migration, with VoIP core networks set to replace all the legacy PSTN services in just a few years’ time.
Embrace the future of telephony by replacing your landline with VoIP before the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) is switched off in 2025.
What is the PSTN Switch Off?
What dates do I need to know?
PSTN Switch Off and Landline Replacement Timeline
November 2017
BT Openreach announces its intention to switch off the PSTN in 2025.
December 2020 - Salisbury Stop Sell
Customers In Salisbury cannot purchase new ISDN lines or add new features.
October 2021 - 169 Exchanges Stop Sell
Customers across 169 locations cannot purchase new ISDN lines or add new features.
December 2022 - Salisbury End of Life
The PSTN network is completely switched off in Salisbury.
September 2023 - UK Stop Sell
Customers across the whole country cannot purchase new ISDN lines or add new features.
December 2025 - UK End of Life
The PSTN network is completely switched off across the UK.
Interactive PSTN Stop Sell Map - Priority Exchanges
Keep track of the UK's march to All IP
In parallel to switching off the PSTN network, Openreach are rolling out their fibre broadband network.
To expedite the transition between networks, they have identified and published a list of Priority Exchanges throughout the British Isles where they will be focussing their efforts to get FTTP (Fibre-to-the-Premises) rolled out. When FTTP is available to more than 75% of properties within the catchment of an exchange then they will move to Stop Sell with WLR products, meaning everyone (business and consumer) will need to move to an IP service for new orders.
The current list of Priority Exchanges and their intended Stop Sell dates are shown in the map below (dates correct at time of publication).
You can also download this map as a KMZ file, to open and view within your own Google Maps account.
How do I use this Priority Exchange Switch Off Map?
This map plots which exchanges will undergo a “stop sell” as the nation moves to an All IP.
Openreach has announced 297 priority exchanges for stop sell of PSTN services by April 2022
You can track which exchanges are switching off, and when via our map
- This map is built on Google Maps, and so can be navigated as you would use any online map
- The priority exchanges have been categorised into 4 “tranches” which go in order of “stop sell” dates – these can be viewed on the left-hand side of the map
- Each Exchange has detailed information including exchange code, postcode, SI number, stop sell date, and helpful FAQ’s.
- This map can also be saved and downloaded as KMZ file:
Why should I change?
VoIP is a much better alternative to traditional landlines, and it will be the industry standard for years to come. This technology offers many opportunities and benefits for your business:
Lower costs
VoIP solutions are software-based, which means you don’t need any infrastructure, upfront costs, or additional hardware.
Greater scalability
Internet-based solutions can be easily scaled up or down depending on your needs. For seasonal businesses, adding more lines for peak season can be quick and easy.
Increased productivity
VoIP solutions can include many more features than your legacy landline, so that you can handle calls more efficiently and your business can be more productive.
Flexibility
VoIP solutions can be accessed from a variety of devices, which means you won’t be tied to a desk phone anymore and you’ll be able to take your calls wherever you are.
What do I need to know?
We understand that this change can be daunting for your business and you may have some doubts, but the move to VoIP need not be difficult:
Continuity of service
Moving to VoIP is a seamless process that won’t leave you without your business phone for days. Acting now, before there is a huge demand for these services, is advised to ensure a swift and easy deployment.
Keeping your number
With VoIP, you don’t have to worry about taking out a new number. You can keep your existing one and ensure your customers can always reach you.
Ease of use
VoIP solutions are easy to use and can be employed on a variety of devices, from your existing analogue phone to your mobile phone, desktop or tablet.
Call quality
The speed of broadband is now genuinely fast enough to negate any problems around quality. There are hundreds of thousands of businesses that rely solely on VoIP to deliver their business voice calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's happening?
BT Openreach has announced it intends to switch off the traditional, copper-based telephone network in 2025. This is commonly referred to as the PSTN Switch Off.
While 2025 may seem a while away, from December 2023 you won’t be able to purchase any new ISDN or PSTN-based services, with many locations affected by a stop sell much sooner than that.
Why should I care?
The PSTN Switch Off will affect all businesses currently operating using PSTN and ISDN services. If you fall into this category, you will need to move to the new network to keep your phone and your number working.
The All IP network delivers voice calls using the same infrastructure as data and using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology.
What is VoIP?
Simply put, VoIP uses a company’s existing internet connection to transmit voice calls. When it was first introduced, this solution seemed like a dangerous choice, as it completely relies on the quality of the internet connection to guarantee stable calls.
Nowadays, the speed of most broadband is fast enough to negate any problems around call quality. VoIP telephony is a simpler option than it sounds, requiring a lot less hardware than legacy systems.
It is delivered by Over the top (OTT) applications to which new features are added regularly, it gives your business more flexibility and it can be used on a variety of devices – from desk phones to mobiles, tablets, and computers.
What about my Special Services?
The migration will also impact services like security and fire alarms, telecare devices, retail payment terminals and equipment for monitoring and controlling networks.
These rely on some features of the PSTN that are not fully replicated in VoIP-based platforms and could have implications for both domestic and business customers, as well as public sector users. BT have made their testing facility available to manufacturers and despite the pandemic and lock-downs, there is already a list of who has tested their equipment on the new All IP network which can be found here:
All IP Knowledge Hub
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PSTN Switch-Off: Everything You Need to Know
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