PSTN and ISDN switch-off
ISDN and PSTN switch-off: your move to Elevate
The UK’s copper phone network is being retired. If your business still uses ISDN or analogue lines, here is what is changing, what to check, and how Elevate lets you move on your timetable, not Openreach’s.
UKpartner
Why it matters
What the switch-off means for you
ISDN and analogue are being retired
Openreach is withdrawing the PSTN and ISDN services in 2027. Lines that depend on them will stop working or be migrated by the provider.
More than phones depend on lines
Alarms, lifts, door entry, card machines, fax and telemetry often use phone lines and may need a replacement.
Last-minute moves cost more
Rushed migrations mean number porting problems, short installation windows and fewer choices.
What you get
What to check
Audit every line
List every analogue and ISDN line and what uses it: voice, fax, alarms, lifts, door entry, EPOS and monitoring.
Protect your numbers
Existing numbers can be ported to Elevate so customers keep dialling the same number.
Check your connection
A cloud phone system needs a reliable broadband or fibre connection. Many sites will need an upgrade or a second line.
Plan for power cuts
Copper lines used to work in a power cut. IP phones need power and a router, so consider battery backup and mobile failover.
Replace special-purpose lines
Alarms and lifts may need IP-ready equipment or a cellular communicator. We help identify what needs attention.
Choose the cutover date
We plan the port date so the old and new services overlap and nothing is switched off before it is proven.
A calm migration plan
Start with a discovery visit or call. We map your lines, your numbers and your sites, check the broadband at each, and propose a phased plan. Most businesses can move to Elevate in a matter of days once the paperwork and number port are agreed, but the earlier you start the more choice you have over timing and connectivity.
Connectivity first
The most common cause of poor cloud voice quality is the internet line rather than the phone system. We can supply SOGEA, FTTC, full fibre, leased lines and a 4G/5G backup through our business internet connectivity service, tested for voice before go-live.
Why Elevate for the move
Elevate gives you the familiar features, such as hunt groups, auto attendant and call recording, on a platform that does not depend on copper. You also gain apps, video and the freedom to add sites or home workers without new lines. See the full Elevate phone system overview or compare other hosted phone system options.
Your questions answered
When is the ISDN and PSTN switch-off?+
Openreach is retiring the UK’s PSTN and ISDN services in 2027, following earlier delays. Check with your provider for the date that applies to your lines, and plan well before it.
What happens to my phone numbers?+
Numbers can be ported to Elevate so you keep them. We arrange the port and agree the switchover time with you.
Will my alarm and lift lines still work?+
Many alarms, lifts and door entry systems use phone lines and need to be upgraded or replaced with IP or cellular alternatives. We help you identify and plan for these.
What if the power goes off?+
IP phones need power and a router. Battery backup, a 4G/5G failover and call forwarding to mobiles keep you reachable.
How long does it take to switch?+
Setup is usually days once everything is agreed. Number porting and connectivity orders can take longer, so start early.
Do I need new broadband?+
Maybe. We check each site and recommend an appropriate line, such as fibre, with a backup where needed.
Switch-off preparation checklist
- ✓ List every ISDN and analogue line
- ✓ Identify alarms, lifts, door entry and EPOS on lines
- ✓ Check broadband speed and reliability at each site
- ✓ Decide on backup: second line or 4G/5G
- ✓ Confirm which numbers to port
- ✓ Agree a date well before your lines are withdrawn
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Your business number on iPhone, Android, PC and Mac.
Free guide · 7 pages
The UK business guide to the Elevate phone system
- ✓Every feature, explained
- ✓Express, Essentials and Pro compared
- ✓2027 ISDN switch-off checklist
- ✓Ten questions to ask any supplier
Why choose CBC
Phones, networks and security from one UK team
We are committed to giving every customer the best possible phone and networking solution for their business, then supporting it for the long term.
- 24/7 UK-based supportReal engineers, any hour, no overseas call centre.
- One-to-one serviceA named CBC engineer who knows your setup.
- Grows with youAdd users, sites or features without changing supplier.
- Customer satisfaction firstClear quotes, fixed pricing and honest advice.
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