Are you ready for December 2025’s PSTN switch-off?

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is being shut down in just two years’ time and this represents an opportunity for resellers.

What is PSTN?

The PSTN is a 20th century technology of copper wires that has kept the UK connected, but now it is ‘increasingly out of kilter with the demands of 21st century communications’, according to BT (formerly British Telecom).

On 1st December 2025, this ageing infrastructure will be switched off in tandem with the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). The IDSN is a digital version of the analogue phone line which was introduced within the PSTN in the late 1980s. Businesses that haven’t transitioned to an alternative solution by this date will be suddenly faced with no connectivity.

This will impact more than the day-to-day functionality of voice calls and broadband. Additional systems and network-reliant equipment such as remote access, PDQ payment terminals, door access and fire alarms may also be affected. Businesses could lose their company phone numbers, as well as seeing negative impacts to their security and market share.

What’s the opportunity?

A National Business Communications survey earlier this year revealed that 62.1% of UK businesses are still using landlines within their company and 45% of businesses are unaware of 2025’s switch off. In fact, 16 million UK telephone lines need to be transitioned in the next two years.

With so many businesses yet to transition from PSTN, there’s a significant opportunity for Westcoast’s partners to capitalise on this period of change. With the support of Westcoast’s experts, partners can assess their customers’ current infrastructure to determine which components will be affected. Then offer alternative digital solutions such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), SIP Trunking and cloud-based communication platforms, as well as the next generation of IP products and hardware. Westcoast can provide additional support with configurations, site surveys and installations whenever required.

It’s time to act

While December 2025 may feel far away, the process of preparing for the switch isn’t instant and time to completion can be affected by varying factors. Businesses require an audit to identify any impact on their operations before an agreement on replacement system(s) and a roadmap is made. The process will be even more intricate for large organisations with complex call routing across several locations.

When discussing the switch off, John Griffiths, Chairman of National Business Communications, said: “Businesses need to start preparing for the switch off now. We anticipate a hold-up in 2025 due to unprepared businesses, which may mean the industry won’t be able to keep up with the number of last-minute orders, possibly leaving businesses without a service.”

We’re here to help

Now is the perfect moment to act on this significant market opportunity. Our in-house experts are available to support you to guide your customers through this unique transition process, ensuring you maximise your sales potential at every moment.

Contact our team to find out more.

Sources:
The UK’s PSTN network will switch off in 2025 | BT Business
45% of UK businesses unprepared for 'big landline switch off' in 2025 - Tech Digest
Preparing for the PSTN Switch-Off : Crucial Role of Resellers (newsinthechannel.co.uk)
Preparing for the PSTN Switch-Off: Essential Steps for Businesses - (newsinthechannel.co.uk)

Addendum: In May 2024 it was announced that the switchover deadline has been extended to 31^st January 2027.