How to prepare your business for the PSTN switch off

With the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) retiring in January 2027, now’s the time to start preparing your business.

Any technologies that rely on the PSTN, such as phones, broadband and security systems, will need to switch to digital. To avoid the risk of disruptions, the sooner you start preparing your business for the PSTN switch off, the better.

5 best ways to prepare for the PSTN switch off

These are the key steps to prepare your business for a digital switchover:

1) Determine which systems use the PSTN

If your business phone system uses the PSTN’s copper wires, you’ll need to upgrade to a digital system before the switch off.

Other systems to check include broadband, lifts, fire alarms and security. For example, some older fire and security systems use PSTN lines to alert the monitoring centre when an alarm is raised.

Especially for critical services like alarms, check if your systems use the PSTN as a matter of urgency.

As well as the PSTN, the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) will also be switched off in 2027.

The ISDN is often used for systems that offer voice, video and data services, while the ADSL is sometimes used for broadband.

If you’re unsure if any of your business systems use the PSTN, ISDN or ADSL, contact your provider for confirmation.

2) Research alterntives to the PSTN

A major part of your business’s digital switchover will likely be upgrading to an internet-based phone system.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is an excellent alternative to landlines. With VoIP, you just need an internet connection, and you can make fast and reliable calls to anywhere in the world.

Or, for broadband, consider Fibre to the Premise (FTTP). This is a full-fibre service that offers a super quick internet connection, without any reliance on the PSTN.

Find out more on our page about the top PSTN alternatives.

3) Consider internet speeds

Compared to broadband services that rely on copper wires, FTTP offers a much more reliable connection. This will be more important than ever when you switch to an internet-based phone system.

It’s worth noting that Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) broadband, which is supported by the PSTN, will only be switched off when full fibre is available nationwide. However, consider whether it’s fast enough to handle all of your business comms.

As the PSTN’s copper wires have limited bandwidth, opting for a futureproofed option like full fibre should provide sufficient speeds.

4) Analyse your business tech needs

Once you’ve identified the systems that you need to replace, check if your existing hardware is still suitable. To do this, perform an audit of your current tech setup.

You can either carry out the audit internally or opt for an IT consultancy service.

To streamline your systems and keep hardware to a minimum, you could get a unified communications (UC) system. This will allow your employees access a range of services, such as voice, video and instant messaging, in one place.

It’s possible to implement UC without specific hardware, making it easier to support remote and hybrid work models.

5) Train staff to prepare for the PSTN switch off

When introducing a new service like VoIP or UC, it’s essential to train your team on how to use it. Otherwise, there’s a risk of wasted time, costly mistakes and maybe even an impact on staff satisfaction.

Whether you train staff yourself or select a business tech support service, it’s crucial that your workforce is proficient in your chosen system.

PSTN switch off support from Crystaline

To help your business prepare for the PSTN switch off, Crystaline offers several tailored support options.

This includes auditing your existing systems to create independent recommendations based on your business needs. All suggestions will be clearly presented, cutting the jargon often found in B2B solutions.

And, as outlined in our service promise, you can expect quick responses from our customer service team, as well as ongoing reviews of your setup.

Ready to make the switch? Get in touch with our expert team.