The Big BT Switch Off

What’s happening?

The old analogue PSTN/ISDN network is being turned off at the end of 2025. By then every home and business in the UK will have to use the new digital network which uses the internet to route phone calls.

Does it really mean everyone?

Yes, every home and business in the UK will be affected. And it’s not only phones services, any alarm systems, EPOS machines, CCTV, door entry systems, fax machines etc. will also be impacted by the change over.

Why the change?

The old PSTN network is out of date, it is essentially 19th century technology using miles and miles of copper cables strung overhead and buried beneath the ground. With the dramatic changes in technology over the last few years it is simply not up to the job of meeting the demands of modern communications.

Will it be better?

Undoubtedly yes. Even with the most basic digital service you will be able to make and receive calls on any device, wherever you are and all using the same number. If you move your landline number over to a digital service before the switch off, you will then be able to have calls to your landline delivered to your mobile phone. That means you can take calls wherever you are, literally anywhere in the world!

What do I need to do?

Start planning now. The sooner you move your number to a digital service, the sooner you will enjoy the cost savings, flexibility and ease of use of a digital service. Revue any other services you use that are reliant on the old PSTN system, CCTV, alarms, EPOS, door entry, fax etc.. These will need to be migrated to digital as well. Check that your broadband is up to the job, everything will rely on a good internet connection, so it may be worth while upgrading to full fibre or a satellite connection if you poor connectivity at the moment.