What is being switched off
The Public Switched Telephone Network is the copper network that has carried UK phone calls for over a century. It is being withdrawn and replaced by voice services that run over broadband. Anything that plugs into a traditional phone socket is affected, not just handsets.
The important detail for most businesses is that this is not optional and not something you can defer indefinitely. Lines are being migrated in stages, and once a line is withdrawn the service on it stops.
What it affects beyond the phone
- Alarm and intruder systems that dial out over a phone line
- Lifts and emergency call points
- Card payment terminals still using dial-up
- Door entry systems and gate intercoms
- Fax lines and legacy modems
These are the items that catch businesses out, because the phones themselves are usually the first thing replaced and the ancillary equipment is forgotten until it fails.
What to do now
Start with an inventory: list every line you pay for and what is actually plugged into it. Most businesses find at least one line nobody can account for, which is an immediate saving.
Then move voice to a cloud service. Numbers port across, so nothing you have advertised changes. Doing it on your own timetable, rather than waiting for a migration notice, means you can test properly and train the team.
Want this set up for you?
Plans start at £19 per user per month with UK calls included. See pricing or get a quote.