Openreach has pushed back the final switch-off date for copper-based phone lines and broadband. While initially planned for December 2025, the deadline is now set for January 31, 2027. Some businesses are already embracing this digital transformation and stepping strong in the competition. However, it is important to highlight that there are several disadvantages if you wait until the last minute.
Why the Delay?
The delay came in response to genuine concerns about telecare systems, particularly those serving vulnerable and elderly populations. While digital landlines can support these systems, they’ve shown more exposure to outages compared to traditional copper networks.
As Openreach stated, this extension allows for better alignment with full fibre broadband upgrades across the country.
How Does it Affect Your Business?
According to Zen’s latest report, customers on PSTN are already experiencing increased downtime, and the situation is only likely to get worse as the switch-off gets closer. Also, the report found that only 18% of small businesses and 26% of large businesses currently have a post-PSTN solution in place.
You may need to consider how the The Big Switch Off will affect your business based on the following:
- Rising Costs: Maintaining traditional phone lines is becoming increasingly expensive.
- Old Technology: Many older phone systems are no longer supported by manufacturers, leaving you vulnerable to service disruptions and limited upgrade options.
- Modern Advantages: Transitioning to a modern digital communication system offers great benefits, a wider range of advanced features, and cost savings.
Act Now to Protect Your Business
If your business was using ISDN lines and hasn’t yet transitioned to modern alternatives, you may need to start preparing now. While 2027 may seem distant, creating a transition strategy offers quite a few advantages like:
- Avoiding rushed decisions and potential disruptions to your business operations
- Access to current deals and support packages from telecoms service providers
Talk to a Switch Off Expert Let us help you. Book a no-obligation consultation today to ensure a seamless transition to hosted telephony and lightning-fast fibre broadband
