BT switch off 2027
BT Switch Off 2027 – How it will impact you and your business
In 2027, BT will be switching off the UK’s analogue telephone network (ISDN and PSTN).
Ensure that your business is fully prepared for the move to IP technology and find out exactly:
- What is happening
- Why it is happening
- How it will impact your business
- What you need to do next
What is the BT Switch Off in 2027?
BT Openreach has announced that in 2027, they will permanently switch off the UK’s old analogue telephone network. This action will completely shift communications technology into a digital space and every phone line in the UK will become digital, with calls routed over internet-based technology known as VoIP or IP.
The process has in fact already started, From September 2023, Openreach have NOT provided any new phone lines in the UK.
As a business owner you need to familiarise yourself with the BT switch off timeline and make sure that you are prepared.
Why is BT switching off the analogue network?
The copper wire system in use today was implemented way back in the 1800’s and still relies on technology created centuries ago. Maintaining these outdated systems is becoming increasingly problematic and expensive, with increased costs being passed on to the end user. As technology is advancing exceptionally fast, there is now an abundance of data transmission options available which are faster, more dependable and more cost effective. Phone companies around the world have already started making the leap to all-digital networks and the UK is behind other countries in this regard.
How will the BT switch off in 2027 impact me and my business?
The BT switch off in 2027 will affect everyone in the UK, including homes and businesses currently operating ISDN or PSTN. If you, like many other companies in the UK, are still reliant on fixed landlines for communication, then you will be affected. Your business will need to find alternative methods of data transmission to maintain communication coverage. It is not only phone services you need to think about, but anything connected to ISDN and PSTN lines like Security Systems (CCTV, Alarms, Door Entry Systems), credit card machines, fax machines etc.
| Current Services | Replacement Services |
|---|---|
| Analogue Voice | IP Voice |
| Single lines, multiple lines, ISDN2, ISDN30 | VoIP and SIP trunks |
| Current Services | Replacement Services |
|---|---|
| Analogue Broadband | Fibre Broadband |
| ADSL, FTTC & GFAST | SOTAP, SOGEA, SOGFAST & FTTP |
| Terminology | Explanation |
|---|---|
| SOTAP | An all copper, interim solution for areas where no fibre products are present. |
| SOGEA | Provides standard broadband, with no need for a landline. |
| SOGFAST | An ultrafast version of SOGEA. |
| Single Line | Standard phone line. |
| ISDN2 & ISDN30 | Digital phone line. |
| VoIP | Cloud hosted phone system. |
| SIP Trunks | Internet phone lines for modern traditional phone systems. |
| FTTP | Fibre to the premises |
What must I do to prepare for the BT switch off in 2027?
You need to start planning and looking at everything connected to phone lines. Security Systems (CCTV, Alarms, Door Entry Systems), credit card machines, fax machines etc. that have not been updated to digital technology, will no longer work after the 2027 deadline. It is estimated that two-thirds of large UK companies already use VoIP and are reaping the benefits of cost savings and increased flexibility and reliability. There are a vast range of VoIP business solutions on offer and although there is still plenty of time, it pays to get ahead of the game.
