The PSTN Big Switch Off is fast approaching. Openreach by BT is currently upgrading the outdated, analogue Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to a faster, full-fibre digital network.
By the end of December 2025, any business or home phone call will instead be hosted over Internet Protocol (IP). Named the ‘Big Switch Off’, the move has big implications for any firm using broadband in its operations. In today’s world, that’s pretty much everyone.
To prepare for the change, all existing phone systems and older internet connections – including any used by hardware like card machines and CCTV – will need to transition to an IP mode.
The later you postpone the shift, the more complicated and costly the process will become – especially if you don’t leave enough time to research the right provider.
In short, the Big Switch Off might not be happening until 2025, but the preparation starts now. This guide will outline what the change means for small businesses, what the risks and opportunities are, and how to get ready.