The way businesses connect and communicate is changing.  On 31 January 2027, the UK’s traditional phone network (PSTN) will be permanently switched off, marking the end of services that rely on traditional landlines. If your broadband still sits on a landline with a phone number and a dial tone, or you are using a landline for phone calls, card machine, fax or other services, it’s time to act now to future-proof your business.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Are You Still Using Legacy Services?

The first step is to check if your broadband runs over a traditional landline. If you plug in a traditional phone and hear a dial tone or notice separate charges on your bill for the broadband service and the rental of the landline, you’re likely using legacy services. These services will no longer work after the switch-off, so upgrading is essential.

2. Don’t Leave it Until the Last Minute

The deadline may feel far off, but the next 12 months will race by, and delaying could leave you in a tough spot. Service providers are already expecting a surge in orders next year, so it’s best to make the switch sooner rather than later. By acting now, you’ll avoid disruptions to your business.

3. The Writing’s on the Wall for Legacy Services

Openreach, the company managing the UK’s telecoms infrastructure, has made it clear: the old network is being wound down. They’re reducing the number of engineers trained to maintain it and only investing the bare minimum to keep it running

4. Legacy Services Are Getting More Expensive

The cost of sticking with traditional services is climbing. Analogue business lines, for example, have seen monthly rental charges increase from £13 to £20 in recent years. Upgrading to modern, internet-based services could save your business money in the long run.

5. Stop Sell Is Already in Place

Openreach has already started  phasing out the old network through a “stop sell” process which began in 2021. All exchanges in the country have been designated either as being Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) Priority or Not FTTP Priority. As time moves on, more are being moved across into the FTTP Priority category.

What’s more, all premises in the UK, business and residential, will be subject to one of the following rule sets, either a) Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) stop sell or b) FTTP Priority Exchange stop sell.

It’s further complicated than that but the key thing is the status of your local exchange and what services are available at your premises. If you’d like advice on this, please do get in touch.

It should be pointed out that at 2 pilot sites, Openreach has already restricted legacy services further. These changes could roll out to other areas ahead of the switch-off.

What Should You Do Next?

1. Audit Your Telecoms: Check if your services are running over traditional landlines.
2. Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute – ensure your business is switched to future-proofed services in 2025.
3. Talk to a Telecoms Expert: If you’re not sure what you need, reach out to someone who can guide you.

Future-proofing your telecoms will protect your business from disruption, save money on outdated services, and open up new opportunities with modern, reliable technology.

Beyond Telecoms is offering a free audit package worth up to £100 until the end of May 2025, to ensure your business Telecoms, broadband and associated services are future proofed ready for the copper switch off.

For this and further advice and support on upgrading your telecoms, contact David at Beyond Telecoms.