Switch off or step up

What could that mean for your organisation and its employees?

For many companies, a PSTN connection means more than just phone lines. It powers broadband connections, alarm systems and even payment processes. The first step to understanding the significance of this change is in learning how much it will affect your business. 

After discovering which of your systems rely on PSTN, the next step is knowing what would happen if those connections stopped tomorrow. It could lead to business disruptions ranging from missed calls and failed payments, to lack of access to cloud services and data. 

What should you do next? 

In short, you need to upgrade to a digital solution. We understand that this process might feel daunting, but it’s a huge opportunity. A well-executed upgrade allows you to modernisze your operations, making your business more resilient, efficient and adaptable all in one go.  

In this short guide, we’ll take a look at what to expect, how to manage the transition and how upgrading to digital can level up your business. 

Changing with the times  

For decades, phone calls have been carried over copper wires – an analogue system known as the ‘public switched telephone network’ (PSTN). The same lines can also connect broadband routers, alarm systems and other devices that require an internet connection. PSTN has served the country well, but it wasn’t designed for the interconnected world we now live in. 

As a result, by the 31st of January 2027, PSTN will be switched off and all UK phone lines will become digital.  

1. Work from anywhere
   Digital phone lines are managed in the cloud, allowing employees to take their business calls wherever you like and from any device. Their flexibility gets an instant upgrade.   
2. Value for money
   The move to digital can improve your company’s bottom line. Internet-based calls are often cheaper than traditional ones, but you also don’t have to pay for any extra physical lines if you want to add a new user. As long as you have an internet connection with reasonable bandwidth, you can add new lines affordably. 
3. Uninterrupted business 
   Whether the power goes down in your office or if you can’t access your premises for whatever reason, you can still make calls from anywhere with a digital phone system. As long as the location has an internet connection,, you can keep your business up and running. This is why you need to ensure your next upgrade, such as Starlink, supports employees no matter where they are located. 
4. Easily scalable 
   Adding extra phone lines or users is much easier when they’re digital. You don’t need to connect any physical lines, so your new numbers can be added almost instantly. If you’re connecting an internet desk phone, setting it up can be as simple as plugging it in. 
5. Streamline operations 
   There’s no need for separate internet and phone lines across the organisation. With a digital system, everything can go through one internet connection. Not only does that include phones, but also computers and any smart devices  your employees might have. 
6. Unified communications 
   Digital services can integrate seamlessly with other systems. That’s led to what’s known as unified communications, enabling a single platform for calls, video conferencing, instant messaging, file sharing and more, all in one place.

Start your digital journey 

No matter what, the switch off is coming. You need to have upgraded your phone line if you want to continue making and taking calls. Claranet can help you manage the switch off without disruption, and help your business transition to a modern, resilient and efficient system. 

As migration experts, we will support your move from analogue PSTN services to a new solution by analysing your current infrastructure and recommending the most suitable replacement. 

Enjoy a seamless transition to digital business. Find out more about the PSTN switch off or contact our experts to discuss more below.