All traditional copper-based voice services will be permanently switched off.
What replaces it?
Everything moves to IP-based (internet) telephony, often called:
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
Digital Voice (BT’s consumer term)
Cloud telephony / hosted PBX (business)
Instead of your phone connecting via a copper line to an exchange, calls go via your broadband internet connection. Read more about BT’s plans here:
The PSTN and ISDN switch-off: what it means for you | BT Business
What it means for businesses
Businesses usually need to upgrade more significantly:
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Replace ISDN/PSTN systems with:
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VoIP systems
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Hosted/cloud PBX
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SIP trunks
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Benefits:
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Lower call costs
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Flexibility (remote working, softphones)
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Advanced features (call routing, analytics)
Risks if ignored:
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Phone systems may stop working completely
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Alarm lines, payment terminals, fax machines may fail
Devices that may be affected
This is often overlooked. The following may need upgrading or replacing:
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Burglar/fire alarms
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Lift emergency phones
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Telecare systems (important for elderly users)
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Fax machines
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Payment terminals
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Door entry systems
What should you do now? For businesses:
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Audit all telecom-dependent systems
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Speak to a provider about VoIP/cloud solutions – with us, here at Accelerator
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Upgrade hardware (handsets, routers) – from us, here at Accelerator
Our support for your business
Plan a controlled migration (don’t leave it late)
This will affect anyone still reliant on traditional fixed landlines, essentially anything on the old analogue copper network.
There’s been a huge roll-out of Fibre To The Premises (FTTP) to ensure high speed broadband is available to all, allowing for a quality telecoms calls on your new digital network.
There are plenty of solutions to ensure you’re ready for the shutdown. The key is to act before the end of year rush.
Get in touch and we’ll evaluate exactly what’s going to be affected, and how we can help you migrate to the new digital network. You can even retain your existing phone numbers!
The sooner you act, the smoother the transition will be with the minimum impact to the running of your business or building.

Working with Accelerator
Expertise and Experience
Customized Solutions
Rapid Response and Support
Accelerator boasts a team of highly skilled professionals with extensive experience in network management and cybersecurity. Their deep understanding of the latest technologies and best practices ensures that your network is always in capable hands, providing you with top-notch support and peace of mind.
Accelerator offers tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each business. They take the time to understand your specific requirements and design a proactive support plan that aligns with your goals, ensuring optimal performance and security for your network.
With Accelerator, you benefit from round-the-clock monitoring and support. Their proactive approach means potential issues are identified and resolved before they can impact your operations, minimizing downtime and keeping your business running smoothly at all times.

