The BT switch off and what it means for you

This article looks at the BT switch off. Have you heard of it yet? Do you know what it is and how it will affect you?

Everyone needs to know what's coming. I'll answer these questions. Plus, I'll let you know what options you have, and how to prepare.

What is the BT switch off?

In short, in December 2025 BT will switch off traditional analogue phone lines and move to a fully digital network. This change will affect both residential and business phone lines.

The switch off could affect more than just your landline phone and internet connection. Any equipment such as alarms, EPOS machines, door entry systems, CCTV, fax machines or anything else that currently uses the PSTN or ISDN lines will also stop working.

What’s happening now?

BT are currently phasing out the legacy analogue and ISDN lines area by area. This means in certain exchange areas throughout the UK, you will no longer be able to order new analogue or ISDN services.

Why are BT doing this?

The current network is now old and as with most things is difficult and no longer cost effective to maintain. It is also increasingly difficult for the traditional technology to meet the ever growing demands of modern communications.

What does this mean for your business?

In December 2025, anyone still on the PSTN or ISDN lines will be left without connectivity… so your business could be in big trouble if you don’t plan ahead for this massive change.

In some areas as of now, you wont be able to purchase new PSTN or ISDN lines, so if your contract is up for renewal you will need to move over to the new IP technology.

Equipment that previously connected to a wall socket will now have to connect direct to the router. For some, this will also mean the purchase of new equipment that is compatible with the new IP system.

What options are available to my business?...

...For internet

If a full fibre connection is not yet available in your area then your broadband can be changed to SOGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access or SOGEA is, simply put, a standalone broadband connection without the addition of a separate unused phone line).

If a full fibre connection is available for your area then your broadband and voice services can be switched to the new IP technology now.

...For voice

For businesses wanting to keep their existing PBX system (for example, Panasonic, Mitel, Avaya, Alcatel) along with their current phone numbers, the ISDN lines will need to be ceased and the numbers moved (or ported) to SIP trunks.

For those that don’t want an on-site PBX system, a VoIP system (Hosted telephony or cloud based system) will be needed. To keep existing numbers they will need to be moved (ported) to the new system.

What should I do now?

BT will not be changing their deadline, the onus is on you. Start making an inventory of your technology that currently uses the old PSTN and ISDN phone lines. As for your broadband and phone systems switch now or plan to switch as soon as you can. Look into VoIP phone systems, or SIP trunks if you want to keep your existing PBX system.

A VoIP phone system has many advantages, and it also helps prepare your business for the BT switch off. Check out The 9 benefits of VoIP telephone systems

PS Tech are helping businesses prepare for the BT switch off. We offer a flexible choice of VoIP phone systems, new broadband connections and SIP trunks. If you’re still unsure about your options or what to do, please give me a call or ping me a message.

The bottom line

Don’t procrastinate! If everyone leaves it until the last minute the shear workload for BT may result in delays. You need to make plans now to switch to the latest broadband connections and VoIP services so you won't be left without voice and internet connectivity.

This article first appeared on the PS Tech blog at: https://www.pstechnology.co.uk/blog/the-bt-switch-off-is-your-business-ready/