One of the biggest changes in today’s digital era is happening quietly in the background: the retirement of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). For decades, this copper-based system has been the backbone of business communication, but by January 2027, the UK will move entirely to internet-based digital networks. While it might sound like just another technical update, the shutdown will have a major impact on many businesses—especially those relying on older equipment, running remote or hybrid teams, or simply unaware of how quickly the deadline is approaching.
What is PSTN?
The PSTN, or traditional analogue phone system, has been around since the late 1800s. At the time, it was groundbreaking—allowing people to connect over copper wires in ways that reshaped communication. But today, it’s outdated, costly to maintain, and no longer fits the way we work. With the growth of high-speed internet and cloud-based tools, the PSTN has become increasingly unreliable. In fact, in 2023 alone, outages on the network jumped by 20%, resulting in 60% more service hours lost for customers.
Countries like Sweden, Estonia, and the Netherlands have already made the switch, while places such as the US, France, and Australia are well into their transitions. For UK businesses, the deadline of January 2027 may feel a little way off, but the shift to digital communication is already underway—and the sooner companies prepare, the smoother that transition will be.
The digital alternatives
The primary replacement for PSTN is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which uses the internet to transmit voice calls. VoIP offers a flexible, cost-effective, and feature-rich alternative. Unlike PSTN, it allows employees to make and receive calls from anywhere using desk phones, laptops, or mobile apps. For businesses, this means:
Cost Savings: VoIP eliminates many expenses associated with PSTN, such as installation fees and hardware maintenance. Scaling is also more efficient, as adding new users requires no physical line installations.
Enhanced Features: VoIP systems integrate seamlessly with unified communications (UC) platforms, enabling video conferencing, call recording, instant messaging, and advanced call routing.
Choose the right digital solution
This step is less about finding a new way to make calls and more about choosing the central nervous system for your business’s communication. The key is to look beyond basic VoIP and consider a unified communications (UC) platform, as well as the right UK PSTN migration help that can solve many issues. Think of it as an all-in-one toolkit that seamlessly blends voice calls, video conferencing, instant messaging, and file sharing into a single, intuitive application.
Ask yourself: Does this solution grow with us? Can our remote team members log in just as easily as those in the office? Crucially, does it integrate with the tools we already use daily, like our CRM or Microsoft Teams? Don’t get bogged down in technical specs; focus on how it feels to use. The right provider will feel like a partner, offering clear support and demos to ensure it’s a perfect fit for your team’s rhythm, not just your IT checklist.
Plan your migration in phases
Think of this migration not as a frantic, all-at-once switch, but as a carefully mapped journey. Rushing it is a surefire way to create confusion and downtime. Instead, break it down into manageable phases. Start with a pilot group—perhaps a single department or a handful of tech-comfortable employees. This lets you work out the kinks, gather feedback, and build confidence before rolling it out to the entire company. Treat this pilot as a live test; their experience is your best guide for refining the process.
Next, create a clear, communicated timeline. When will numbers be ported over? When will training sessions happen? Who is the go-to person for questions? This planning minimizes surprises and ensures everyone feels prepared, not pressured. By taking it step-by-step, you reduce stress, protect productivity, and give your team the space to adapt and truly embrace the new tools. A phased approach turns a daunting overhaul into a series of small, successful wins.
Train your teams
A new phone system only works if your team feels confident using it. This isn’t about a dry, technical manual. It’s about showing them how it makes their day easier. Host practical, engaging sessions that focus on real-world scenarios: “How do I join a video call from my laptop?” or “How do I transfer a call while working from home?” Create a simple cheat sheet for quick reference and identify “champions” in each team who can help colleagues. When people feel supported and see the benefit, they don’t just adapt—they thrive. This human touch is what turns a new tool into a valued asset.
Don’t view the PSTN shutdown as a forced obligation. See it as a genuine opportunity to build a more flexible, modern, and connected business. By starting your plan now, you’re not just avoiding a deadline—you’re investing in a smoother, more collaborative future for your entire team.
