bOnline
You may have heard that a major change is coming to the UK’s phone network over the next couple of years. By the end of 2026, traditional landline phones, using 100-year-old technology, are set to be switched off in favour of a digital network fit for the modern era.
This will apply to both home and business phone lines, so if you’re still relying on analogue equipment, you’ll need to make plans now to upgrade.
Migrating early to digital telephony solutions will be especially important for small businesses, freelancers and startups. These firms can’t afford to be left without communications, and if they leave their planning too late, they could find themselves overpaying for unsuitable services in order to hit the deadline.
However, the impending switch off is more than just a necessity. It’s also a great opportunity for less-sizable businesses to move to technologies that were previously only affordable or practical for larger companies. This offers them the chance to level up their communications with more advanced features and compete on an even footing.
So what will the new communications landscape look like after the landline phones’ 2026/27 switch-off, and why do you need to pay attention to it?
At the end of 2026, BT Openreach, the organisation responsible for building and maintaining the UK’s phone network, will turn off the country’s analogue public switched telephone network (PSTN) as part of the ongoing digital switchover.
This means that existing hardware and infrastructure that relies on this technology will no longer function. Instead, you’ll need handsets that can use internet protocol (IP) technology to transmit voice in a digital format using a broadband connection when you make or receive a phone call.
The work to replace analogue networks is being handled by Openreach, which has already begun turning off circuits in some areas. The next step which came in early September 2023 meant it has stopped accepting new orders for PSTN systems altogether ahead of the full switch-off in 2027.
This will also include the switch off of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), as these also rely on landline cables, even though they transmit data digitally. As such, anyone with a PSTN or ISDN connection will need to make plans now to move away from these solutions.
The main reason for the switch is that older analogue technology is getting less reliable and more expensive to maintain. PSTN and ISDN cannot support the speed and scalability that today’s communications need.
Many parts of the UK’s network have therefore become very outdated. In fact, some of the copper cables that still support the UK’s landline network have been in place since the 19th century, so Openreach has decided the time has come for a modernisation.
While the technology will change, the terminology may not, and you won’t have to switch to mobile devices. ‘Landline’ phones that are connected via cables will still be around – they’ll just use digital internet technology rather than analogue.
Instead of traditional landlines, your office phones will use what’s known as Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP. This converts audio into digital data packets that are then sent over broadband networks via your router.
It’s easy to set up, and means you can make phone calls through a range of devices, including desktop and laptops PCs and smartphones, as well as VoIP-enabled desk handsets.
However, it does mean that once you’ve moved to a digital phone line, anything else plugged into the old telephone wall socket may stop working, or need additional equipment to be purchased and plugged in to enable it to work. Therefore, firms should start making plans now to ensure all their phone-based services are migrated to digital technology.
Easy, reliable and fairly priced phone systems designed for freelancers, startups & growing small businesses.
It takes just 2 minutes to set you up with your new VoIP digital phone system. Furthermore, it’s all done online. No technical knowledge and no engineer visits. We’re also here on the end of the phone if you need us at any point. Once you’ve signed up we’ll check in with you to make sure all is working properly.
Yes of course! When you sign up with bOnline, you can keep your existing number. We can transfer it over for you. If not, you’re welcome to choose a brand new number or we’ll assign you one. The choice is yours.
We say yes, definitely. The beauty of a VoIP digital phone system from bOnline is that it’s so easy to set up online in 2 minutes. You don’t even need any technical knowledge at all.
Our team prides itself on straight-forward, no jargon support and we do all the set up for you. We’re also always on hand if you have any questions or need any help.
Absolutely. Because your calls are transmitted over the internet, you get crystal clear reliable sound. All you need is a stable internet connection – preferably fibre. So that would be over Wifi, or 4G / 5G.
Our VoIP systems also use the latest technology. That’s because we know that when you run a small business, reliability is top of the list.
When you switch to bOnline, there’s no downtime at all. So no worries about missing calls.
VoIP phone systems from bOnline can be accessed using your smartphone, PC or tablet. This makes them ideal for working on the go. Additionally, if you would like to have a desk phone, we offer a great range to choose from. Headsets too!
