Understanding the PSTN Switch-off

SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is the technology that allows voice calls to run over the internet instead of traditional copper lines. It’s the foundation for modern cloud telephony and Unified Communications. 

POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) is the analogue copper-line phone service that’s been around for decades. Telecom providers are phasing it out in favour of digital and IP-based solutions. 

If your business still relies on POTS for things like alarms, lifts, fax machines, or card payment terminals, those services could stop working once copper lines are switched off. Planning ahead avoids disruption. 

Yes, but only if they’re adapted to run on a digital or SIP-based solution. We help you identify which services are at risk and ensure they stay connected. 

It’s already underway. Many carriers have stopped maintaining copper networks, and the FCC has approved the phase-out. The timing depends on your provider and location, but the shift is accelerating. Acting early avoids being caught out.

If you wait, your business could face unexpected downtime — alarms may stop signalling, lifts could fail remote monitoring, or card payments might not process. Fixing it reactively is usually more expensive and stressful than planning ahead. 

Not at all. In many cases, we can bridge your legacy equipment onto SIP so you can keep using it while preparing for the future. It’s about evolution, not sudden replacement. 

Costs vary depending on your setup, but SIP solutions are generally more cost-efficient than maintaining legacy copper lines. Planning ahead also prevents the high costs of emergency fixes later. 

Because we’re not tied to any single vendor. With over 40 years of combined experience, we cut through the noise and recommend the solution that best fits your business — not ours.  

Absolutely. Beyond keeping your critical lines connected, we also advise on Unified Communications & Collaboration (UCC) platforms to help your teams work smarter.  

Simple: get in touch with us for a quick readiness review. We’ll look at your current setup, highlight what’s at risk, and guide you through the best options to keep your business connected.

Want to learn more from the regulators themselves? Here are some key reference points:

• UK Gov: Moving landline phones to digital technologies – Government guidance on the UK PSTN switch-off and what businesses need to do.
   
• Ofcom: Future of landline calls – Ofcom’s explainer on the move to digital landlines.
   
• Ofcom: Protecting customers during the migration – How Ofcom expects providers to support customers.
   
• UK Parliament Research Briefing: Withdrawal of landlines and switch to digital – Independent summary and timeline.
   

• FCC: Tech Transitions – How the FCC manages the transition away from legacy copper.
   
• FCC NPRM: Accelerating Network Modernization – FCC proposal to streamline copper retirement (July 2025).
   
• FCC: Reducing Barriers to Network Improvement – Official FCC rules on easing copper retirement requirements.
   
• Broadband Breakfast: FCC approves measure to speed transition from copper – Industry reporting on recent FCC action.