The phone line switch-off: what Hampshire businesses need to do

The UK’s old copper telephone network, the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), is being switched off. Openreach is moving every line to digital services that run over broadband, with the switchover due to complete by the end of January 2027.

For most small businesses it’s an easy change, as long as you plan for it. The problems come from the things you didn’t realise were still using an old line.

What’s affected

It’s not just your desk phones. Anything that relies on a traditional phone line is affected, including:

• Phone lines and desk phones on older systems
• Broadband that runs over a phone line (older ADSL services)
• Alarm and security systems that dial out over a phone line
• Card payment machines that use a phone line rather than broadband or mobile data
• Fax machines, door entry systems, lift phones and some monitoring equipment

Some of these are easy to forget, especially if they were installed years ago by someone else.

What to do now

1. Make a list of everything plugged into a phone socket. Walk round the building and check: phones, alarms, card machines, door entry, anything with a cable going into the wall.
2. Check with your providers. Ask your alarm company, card terminal provider and phone supplier whether their equipment works on digital lines, and what they recommend.
3. Choose a modern phone setup. A cloud phone system (often called VoIP) lets you keep your number and take calls on desk phones, laptops or mobiles. Many businesses use Microsoft Teams for this.
4. Think about a backup connection. Once your phones run over broadband, a broadband fault takes your phones down too. A 4G/5G backup line that kicks in automatically avoids that.
5. Don’t leave it to the last minute. Providers get busy as deadlines approach, and some changes, like new lines, can take weeks.

The upside

Handled properly, the switchover is an improvement rather than a chore:

• Your number follows you. Calls ring wherever your team is, not just at a desk.
• Lower costs. Old lines and phone systems are often replaced by something cheaper and more flexible.
• Fewer suppliers. It’s a good moment to tidy up who provides what, and how much you pay for it.

How we help

We’ll find everything in your business that still relies on an old line, recommend the right replacements, move your numbers across and set up a backup connection so a broadband fault doesn’t stop the business. We deal with the providers, so you don’t have to.

We work with businesses across Southampton, Eastleigh, Fareham and the surrounding area. Read more about our connectivity and telephony service, or get in touch and we’ll check what you’ve got.