BT PSTN Switch-Off 2027: What UK SMEs Must Do Now

BT PSTN Switch-Off 2027: What UK SMEs Must Do Now

BT will retire the UK’s traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) by January 2027. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), that means disruption unless you act now. In this article, we’ll explain what’s changing, why it matters, and the practical steps you can take to avoid costly downtime.

What Is the PSTN Switch-Off?

The PSTN is the UK’s decades-old copper wire network that underpins landline phones and ISDN services. BT has already stopped selling new PSTN and ISDN lines as of September 2023, and the full switch-off is scheduled for January 2027.

Once it happens, any device that relies on analogue phone lines will simply stop working. This doesn’t just affect telephones it could also include alarm systems, payment terminals, lifts and even some broadband services.

Why It Matters for SMEs

For larger corporates with IT teams, planning this transition is another line item on the project list. But for SMEs, the risk is far higher. Leaving things too late could mean:

• Customers unable to call you.

• Payment systems going offline.

• Security or alarm systems failing.

• A scramble to find a last-minute supplier in a crowded market.

The Risks of Waiting Until 2026

You may be tempted to leave this until the deadline gets closer. That’s risky for two reasons:

1. Capacity Crunch – every business in the UK will need to migrate. Installers, providers and engineers will be fully booked by late 2026.

2. Rising Costs – late adopters often face inflated pricing and limited options.

3. Business Disruption – waiting increases the chance of downtime, lost sales and reputational damage.

Cloud Telephony as the Solution

The obvious replacement for PSTN is cloud telephony (VoIP). This technology has matured significantly in recent years. Today it offers:

• Lower long-term costs than legacy contracts.

• Scalability – add users and features as your business grows.

• Flexibility – support for hybrid working and remote teams.

• Future-proofing – compliant with modern standards and secure.

For SMEs, moving to cloud telephony is no longer a complex, expensive project. With the right supplier, it can be smooth and affordable.

Practical Steps for SMEs

To avoid being caught out by the 2027 deadline:

1. Audit your systems – check what relies on PSTN or ISDN lines.

2. Map the risks – consider alarms, card machines, lift phones, and broadband.

3. Shortlist providers – avoid relying on whoever calls you first.

4. Compare contracts – look beyond headline prices and review terms.

5. Plan your migration – give yourself enough time to test and train staff.

How Supplier Synergy Helps

At Supplier Synergy, we act as an independent broker. That means:

• We cut through the sales noise and filter out unsuitable providers.

• We create a shortlist of suppliers tailored to your business needs.

• We ensure contracts are commercially fair and future-proof.

• We support you through migration, so the switch is smooth.

The PSTN switch-off is a certainty. What’s not certain is whether your business is ready. Acting now avoids the 2026 rush and protects your operations.

Next Steps

The PSTN switch-off may feel far away, but in business planning terms, 2027 is tomorrow. The earlier you act, the more choice, flexibility and cost control you’ll retain.

👉 Learn more about Cloud Telephony & Business Connectivity →
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👉 Contact Supplier Synergy

If you want independent advice and a supplier shortlist without being bombarded by sales calls, book a consultation with Supplier Synergy.