This year, the UK's phone infrastructure is undergoing one of its biggest changes in decades. The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), along with the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), are being switched off for good. If your business still relies on old phone line systems, the time to act is now. At Edmondson’s, we want to make sure every business understands what the switch-off means and how to make a smooth transition to modern communication technology.

What is the PSTN and Why Is It Being Switched Off?

The PSTN has been the backbone of telephone services in the UK for over a century. It was originally designed for analogue voice communication and later upgraded to carry digital signals via ISDN. However, the infrastructure has become outdated, expensive to maintain and increasingly incompatible with the ways we communicate in the modern world.

Openreach, the division of BT responsible for the UK’s phone network, has confirmed that the PSTN will be fully retired by the end of December 2025. This includes both standard telephone lines and ISDN connections. The goal is to replace them with faster, more efficient services built on digital IP networks.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

If your business still uses PSTN or ISDN phone lines, you’ll have to switch to an alternative before the end of 2025. Waiting too long could lead to service disruptions, missed calls and unexpected downtime. The transition is not just about replacing old phone handsets. It can affect alarm systems, card payment terminals, fax machines and anything else connected to a traditional phone line.

Making the switch is not as complex as it may sound and with the right guidance, it could also be a great opportunity to improve how your business communicates.

What Are the Alternatives?

The most widely recommended alternative is a VoIP phone system. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. Instead of using traditional copper wires, VoIP systems transmit voice calls over the internet. This means you can make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection, whether you are in the office, working from home or on the move.

VoIP systems offer a range of advantages over PSTN and ISDN, including lower call costs, improved flexibility, easier scalability and a wealth of advanced features like call forwarding, voicemail to email and video conferencing.

Why VoIP Could be the Best Solution for Your Businesses

VoIP phone systems in the UK have matured significantly in recent years. At Edmondsons, we offer feature-rich, fully managed VoIP solutions that are designed to work seamlessly with your business needs. These systems are ideal for businesses of all sizes, whether you operate from a single location or have remote teams across the country.

Our VoIP service includes call management features that were once only available to large enterprises. You can monitor call activity, route calls intelligently based on time or availability and ensure no enquiry is ever missed. Because the system runs through your broadband connection, installation is straightforward and often more cost-effective than traditional systems.

With the PSTN switch-off approaching, upgrading to VoIP is not just a smart move, it is a necessary one.

How Edmondsons Can Help You Make the Switch

We understand that every business is different, that’s why we take a tailored approach to VoIP implementation. From your first consultation to final installation and training, our expert team will ensure a smooth and stress-free transition away from PSTN or ISDN.

Our five-step switch process includes:

• A conversation to understand your business needs
• A clear proposal outlining features and costs
• Approval and porting of your existing numbers
• Implementation with an engineer-led setup
• Ongoing support and monitoring after go-live

This process ensures minimal disruption and maximum benefit. You will not be left to figure things out on your own, and you will always have someone to call if you need help or want to make adjustments to your system.

Act Now to Avoid Disruption

While December may still seem a while off, the reality is that businesses across the UK are already making the move to VoIP. Delaying could mean longer wait times for installation, reduced availability of support and the risk of losing communication capabilities right when you need them most.

Making the switch early means you can take your time, plan around your busy periods and ensure your team has the training and support they need to make the most of the new system.

Future-Proof Your Business with Edmondson’s

The PSTN switch-off is not just a deadline, it’s a chance to improve your communication setup and take advantage of all the features modern technology has to offer. By upgrading to a VoIP phone system now, your business can avoid disruption, cut costs and boost productivity.

If you are unsure where to start or want expert advice tailored to your needs, Edmondson’s is here to help. Speak to our team today and take the first step towards a more connected future.

For more information or to schedule your consultation, call us on 01924 666 660 or visit our site.