It is almost time to say goodbye to something that has been with us for over a century. We are talking about the Public Switched Telephone Network or PSTN. That good old copper-line phone system is getting the boot in the UK.. BT has made it official: PSTN is being switched off in December 2025.
That might sound like a long way off, but in business time? It is already around the corner.
So in this guide we are going to explain why so many UK companies are already leaving PSTN and jumping over to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)? And should your business be thinking about doing the same?
Let’s break it down.
Understand What Is Actually Going Away?
PSTN is an old-school phone system. It runs on copper wires buried in the ground and on poles across towns. When you made a phone call in the past 100 years, odds are good it went over PSTN.
But it is not just phone calls. A bunch of other stuff rides those lines too, including:
- Fax machines
- Alarm systems
- Payment terminals
- Elevator emergency phones
All of those use PSTN lines, some directly, some through ISDN a digital add-on for PSTN). And ISDN is going away too.
So, in short anything plugged into a phone line may stop working if you do not upgrade before the deadline.
Why is the UK Pulling the Plug?
Well, PSTN is really old. The kind of old that it is hard to maintain. Parts are harder to find. Fewer engineers know how to fix it. And it just does not fit with how we do things anymore.
Internet-based calling is cheaper, easier to scale, and way more flexible. So instead of trying to patch up PSTN forever, BT decided to shut it down and move everything to all-IP networks. That is tech-speak for “it will run over the internet now.”
What Is VoIP, and why is Everyone Switching to it?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is just a fancy name for calls made over the internet. Instead of sending your voice down copper wires, VoIP turns it into data and zips it through your broadband.
VoIP is new. Skype uses it, WhatsApp calls use it, and Zoom uses a kind of VoIP under the hood.
Now it is just becoming the default way to make business calls.
Why are UK Companies Switching To VoIP?
You can wait until 2025. Technically. But smart businesses are not waiting. They are switching now and for good reason. Here we are describing the most significant reasons:
1. Avoid the last-minute chaos
Imagine every company in the UK scrambling to upgrade their phones at the same time. Installers will be booked solid. It will run short. Prices might even go up.
By switching now, you beat the rush. You will get help when you need it. And this way you can move at your own pace.
2. Save money
VoIP cuts call costs. There is no line rental. No pricey add-ons. And you often get free calls between offices or remote workers.
Plus, most VoIP systems come with built-in features that used to cost extra. Like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and video calls.
Why pay more to stay on an outdated system?
3. Better Performance
VoIP gives you clearer calls, more features, and more control. You can answer your office phone from your mobile. You can move desks without rewiring anything. And remote teams stay connected with zero hassle.
It is not just about keeping up. It is about working smarter.
What About Places with Bad Internet?
If your broadband is shaky, that is a valid concern. But you have got options:
- Upgrade your connection
- Use VoIP systems that prioritize voice traffic
- Get backup lines just in case
VoIP does not eat up loads of bandwidth. If your team streams YouTube or joins Zoom calls, your net is probably good enough already.
Do not forget the hidden stuff
This one trips people up. Phones are the obvious bit, but loads of other devices may rely on PSTN too.
Here is what to check:
- Door entry systems
- Burglar alarms
- Fire alarms
- Payment machines
- Lift (elevator) emergency lines
- Fax machines (yes, some businesses still use them!)
Talk to your suppliers. Ask if those systems are PSTN-based. And if they are, get a plan in place now.
How do You Get Started with VoIP?
You have got a few choices. And the right one depends on how your business runs.
1. Hosted VoIP
This is the most common option. Everything runs in the cloud. Your provider handles the setup, updates, and backups. You just plug in your phones or fire up an app.
Good for: Small to medium teams, remote staff, or anyone who wants a simple setup.
2. On-site VoIP (IP PBX)
Here, you manage the system yourself. You install the hardware on-site. You’ve got more control, but more to manage.
Good for: Bigger companies with in-house IT teams.
3. Hybrid Setups
Some businesses go hybrid. They keep part of their old system but bolt on VoIP for new features. It is a good stepping stone if you are not ready to go all-in.
Things To Look For In A VoIP Provider
Not all VoIP services are equal. That is why it is essential to shop around and find the one that meets your needs and budget. Here are a few things you should think about when choosing a VoIP provider:
- Call quality
- Reliability (uptime matters!)
- UK-based support
- Easy-to-use software
- Transparent pricing
- Features you will actually use
And check if they help with number porting and setup. The less work you have to do, the better.
Change can feel like a hassle
Switching technology is rarely fun. But here is the upside, it does not have to be scary.
The companies moving to VoIP now are not doing it because they are tech experts. They are doing it because it makes life easier in the long run.
They are:
- Cutting costs
- Making their teams more flexible
- Avoiding disruption in 2025
- Getting better support and service
If you wait too long, you risk downtime. Or worse, you might be forced to switch in a panic. That is when mistakes happen.
Final Words – Moving To VoIP
PSTN has had a great run. But it is time to move on. The switch-off is not just some technology update, it is a real deadline with real consequences.
VoIP is cheaper, smarter, and built for the way we work today. Yes, there is some planning involved. But waiting until the last minute can make things complicated.
So take a breath, start the conversation and make the switch when you are ready but do not wait too long.
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