The ultimate guide to surviving the ISDN switch-off

It’s out with old, in with the new. By January 2027, all PSTN and ISDN phone lines on the national grid will be obsolete. That means the end of traditional landlines and the start of a new era – IP (internet protocol) telephony.

The UK is moving full steam ahead to a full fibre connectivity setup, upgrading from the copper wire infrastructure that’s been around for over 100 years. In many parts of the country, this is already done. Wherever you are in the UK, by early 2027, you’ll no longer be able to make calls using traditional landlines. All calls will be routed over the internet.

What does the PSTN & ISDN switch-off mean for business?

All products and services relying on PSTN and ISDN lines will become obsolete – including huge numbers of traditional phone systems. This impacts non-voice services too, such as broadband lines including FTTC and ADSL. All these copper connectivity types will be withdrawn. It’s also worth noting that devices such as alarms, EPOS machines, door entry systems, CCTV, and faxes that use the old phone network system will no longer be operational.

It’s a lot to take in, but you can make your transition easy and stress-free with Ericsson-LG’s iPECS phone system. It centralises your business communications and provides valuable business tools, which we’ll discuss later.

It’s also completely internet-based – which makes it futureproof for the new, post-switch-off era in telecoms.

How do I prepare my business for the switch-off?

Avoid any last-minute panic, keep your business continuity ticking over and minimise disruption by being prepared.

  • Add key dates for your calendar, including when your area will lose connection

  • Check with an expert which products will be affected

  • Consider the needs of your team and business when choosing an alternative solution

  • Check if your area has access to full fibre

Beyond the switch - the benefits of iPECS

iPECS isn’t just a phone system – it offers voice, video and instant messaging in one single location. Collaboration is enhanced too, as you can share live docs and screenshare with ease.
Work from anywhere with an internet connection! With a presence setting showing everyone’s real-time availability, keep the whole team connected wherever they work.
A chance to overhaul and modernise your communications infrastructure. Increase productivity and efficiency with analytics, insight tools, and call handling features with iPECS.
By placing all communication and collaboration tools in one place, you make every day more efficient. There’s no more flicking between different screens when you connect with colleagues and customers.
A reputable brand brings the promise of reliability. iPECS is a platform built by Ericsson-LG, a globally trusted provider of telecoms technology – so you know you’re in safe hands.
It’s scalable. iPECS is a flexible, futureproof platform that grows with your business. If you need to add new users, it couldn’t be easier. All it takes is a few clicks.

Frequently asked questions about the switch-off

What is the Big Switch Off?

When is the switch-off happening?

What products are affected?

What happens if I don't switch?

How can I ease the transition to cloud telephony?

How long does it take to switch to cloud telephony?