Time’s up for traditional phone lines, here’s your nine-step action plan
Overview
The UK’s traditional phone network is being replaced, meaning that every analogue phone line in the UK will stop working, as well as a few other secondary systems. It also means there’s a huge opportunity waiting for your business.
Defining a clear strategy, investing in the right devices and developing a scalable operations plan are all steps you can take to build a lasting advantage.
The PSTN switch-off is your opportunity to explore ways to streamline workflows, allow your employees to work more effectively and embrace smarter solutions.
Say goodbye to traditional phone lines
Say goodbye to traditional phone lines
Have you thought about your phone lines lately? The chances are you probably haven’t. And you won’t be alone. Business phone lines are one of those things that we all take for granted, until a major change comes along.
And big changes are on the way.
The UK’s traditional phone network is being replaced by a newer, shinier and far more exciting system. That means every analogue phone line in the UK will stop working, and a few other secondary systems will stop, too. It also means there’s a huge opportunity waiting for your business.
Read on to discover what the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch-off is and how you can take full advantage of it.
What exactly is the PSTN switch-off?
The PSTN switch-off is the process of replacing the Public Switched Telephone Network with a digital network. The PSTN is the traditional landline network that uses copper wires to transmit voice calls, and it’s been around since the 1800s.
Many businesses are still unaware of the PSTN switch-off, and 22% of small UK businesses still define themselves as completely analogue, relying on traditional 20th century technologies1.
The PSTN switch-off has been delayed until 31 January 2027, but your business still needs to be planning for it now. When the switch-off happens, anything that relies on the old network will simply stop working.
However, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. For businesses like yours, the PSTN switch-off could present a significant opportunity.
By moving away from the PSTN, your phone lines, payment terminals, CCTV, intercoms and alarms can all stay connected with minimal disruption. With the right approach, you’ll even be able to propel your business into a new phase of growth. It’s all possible when you develop a strategy that takes advantage of the new technologies available to you.
Let’s take a look at the nine key steps you can follow to build a lasting advantage.
Your nine-step PSTN action plan
1: Act now
With the PSTN switch-off rapidly approaching, start making your plans today. It’s the best way to achieve the greatest possible long-term benefits for your business.
2. Define a clear strategy
Having a solid plan always beats a last-minute scramble. Map out your transition, by identifying who’s going to do what, when and how. If you need a little help, your local Vodafone Business IT Hub can lend a hand.
3. Carry out a device audit
If it plugs in or dials out, you need to assess it. Check with your service provider to see whether you have a PSTN or ISDN contract. If you do, then it’s time to switch over to an Internet Protocol (IP) telephony solution.
Make a list of the tech that might be affected in your business, which could include:
Landline phones
Fax machines
Security systems
Fire and emergency alarms
Door entry systems
CCTV systems
EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) machines
ADSL and FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) broadband connections
Lift emergency lines
ISDN telephony
Auto-diallers
Information displays
4. Focus on your customers
Nobody enjoys dropped calls or dealing with confusion. Keep your customers happy by making the switch seamless. Carry out your checks and planning now, and use the opportunity to improve your customer service levels.
You could consider smart call routing to reduce waiting times, helpful hold messages or even callback options. There’s also the opportunity to introduce live chat, giving your audiences more ways to reach you. When you approach PSTN switch-off in the right way, your customers will only ever see the improvements.
5. Invest in the right devices
Not all tech and IT infrastructure is the same. By choosing IP-friendly, future-facing solutions, you’ll ensure reliability and avoid some unexpected pain points later. Options for you to consider could include:
VoIP-enabled desk phones
Softphones and mobile apps
Noise-cancelling headsets
Smart integration of alarms, door-entry keypads and other systems
6. Develop a scalable operations plan
Think big. This is your chance to implement upgrades and build a system that will grow with your business as it expands.
7. Involve all your team members
Tech transitions aren’t just for your IT team and senior management. Make sure that you keep everyone informed. When your employees understand the switch, they’ll help to make it smooth.
8. Test ahead of time
Run those test calls, check your connections and iron out any glitches before it’s time to go live.
9. Use the opportunity to improve
This isn’t just a technology swap-out. It’s your opportunity to rethink how your business communicates with the world. Explore ways to streamline workflows, allow your employees to work more effectively and embrace smarter solutions.
By upgrading now, you’re not just keeping up, you’re moving ahead, improving efficiency and making life easier for everyone.
The future is calling. With Vodafone Business IT Hubs, you’ll be able to answer with confidence.
Working together to build your business
The PSTN switch-off is happening soon. If you make a start now, it could give you the momentum you need to transform your business, enhance performance and capture more customers. Treat this as a chance to identify the opportunities for growth.
If you need support along the way, Vodafone Business IT Hubs can work closely with you to design your tech essentials around the needs of your business, delivering everything as a single managed service.
We’re your local one-stop shop for IT and comms support, backed by Vodafone Business, The Nation’s Network2. We’ll help you to navigate the PSTN switch-off and identify your key opportunities for growth.