Openreach has confirmed it will switch off the analogue Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) by January 2027. If you still have analogue lines, ISDN2 or ISDN30 circuits, the migration to digital voice is not optional — and it is closer than most SMBs think.
The good news is that the migration is straightforward for most businesses. The bad news is that the queue for installs is getting longer every quarter, and the last six months before the deadline will be a scramble.
Start with a line audit. Most SMBs have analogue lines they have forgotten about — door entry, alarm panels, fax, lift lines and dial-up payment terminals. Each of these has a digital equivalent, but each has to be designed in, not assumed.
Then plan the voice migration itself. Cloud PBX or SIP trunking are the two viable destinations. Cloud PBX suits businesses that want to retire their on-prem phone system altogether. SIP trunking suits businesses that have recently invested in IP-PBX hardware and want to extend its life.
Finally, plan the install. Leased line installs are running at 45 to 90 working days. If you need new connectivity to support the migration, get the order in now.