Sectors impacted by the ISDN switch off

The sectors likely to be affected by the ISDN switch off – and how it could make them work smarter.

A recent survey revealed that 62.1% of UK businesses are still using landlines within their company, and 45% are unaware of the looming Big Switch Off deadline.

In case you aren’t up-to-speed, from January 2027, BT Openreach is closing down all ISDN lines – which will basically mean an end to landlines in the UK and the lines most commonly used to make phone calls across the world.

It’s happening as part of a move to shut down the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) – which ISDN is a part of – because it’s become outdated and been overtaken by newer technologies, such as fibre broadband.

Known as ‘The Great Switch Off’, it is the biggest communications change in a generation. Here are five key ways that businesses could benefit.

Who will be impacted?

Essentially, any company that uses any of the below services will be affected:

• Broadband using a telephone line (ADSL)

• ISDN2 and ISDN30 for business phone systems

• Analogue lines including:

– Alarm lines
– CCTV
– Patient care lines
– Door entry systems
– EPOS and card machines
– Remote telemetry systems
– Fax machines
– Lift alarms

In terms of sectors, the following are likely to feel the impact the most:

• Goods and services companies that are dependent on traditional sales team set-ups, particularly those who rely on cold calls

• Any company that has a call/contact centre – think healthcare, banking and finance and retail

• Those dependent on incoming calls – think hospitality and/or restaurants (especially those without an online presence or online booking system) and estate agents

• Businesses that still use landlines for customer services – for example travel businesses or utilities

• Local businesses – it is estimated that the switch-off will impact more than two million local UK businesses

  
  
  

How will the switch off make these sectors smarter?

• The ISDN switch off and subsequent shift to a fully digital network will enable improved video conferencing, file sharing and cloud-based working. This means that it will empower remote and hybrid workforces to communicate and collaborate more efficiently and effectively.

• Business can also benefit from higher quality and faster networks. This will in turn improve innovation, increase productivity and keep teams tight via hyperconnectivity.

• Post switch-off, businesses will be able to say goodbye to old-fashioned analogue phone lines in their offices.

• The move towards more flexible and inclusive hybrid experiences will also be bolstered and future-ready operations and intelligent workspaces will be better enabled.

There are several great partners out there who can support with your migration. Be sure to research your options and look for a company who can help make this process a smooth and successful one – readying your business for the future.