The Big Switch Off: Your Quick and Easy Guide

What's the Big Switch Off?

The Big Switch Off refers to the planned retirement of the UK’s analogue telephone network—the PTSN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and its cousin, the ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network).

In plain English, the trusty landline you’ve relied on for decades is getting a major upgrade. Instead of relying on old copper wires, every phone line in the UK will transition to digital, routing calls over IP (Internet Protocol).

Why are we switching?

Simply put, the old system (which has been around since the days of Alexander Graham Bell!) is showing its age. It's struggling to keep up with the demands of modern tech–and it's becoming increasingly unreliable.

Making the switch isn’t just a necessary—it’s a game-changer. Here’s why:

• Crystal-clear calls: Say goodbye to crackly lines, say hello to HD-quality audio.
• More features: Video calls, conference calls, instant messaging—it's all integrated.
• Cost-efficiency: Copper is costly! fibre lines are cheaper to install, and cheaper to run.
• Work remotely: Stay connected from anywhere—take calls, join meetings, and collaborate seamlessly without being tied to a desk phone
• Future-proof: Digital systems are scalable and offer integration with other web-based services and business tools.

What does this mean for your business?

If your business uses PTSN or ISDN technology, it will need to transition to a digital service ahead of the Big Switch Off.

And it’s not just your office phones that are affected. Any system connected to PSTN or ISDN—including alarms, door entry systems, telecare services, fax machines, and card payment terminals—will stop working if not upgraded in time.

The timeline

The Big Switch off is currently scheduled for January 31st 2027.

To give your business time to investigate, implement, and test in a careful and considered manner, consider making the transition to a digital service as soon as possible (especially avoiding the inevitable last-minute rush at the tail end of 2026!).

A proactive approach offers plenty of time to address challenges, refine infrastructure design, and ensure your business is well-prepared for the digital future. 

And the sooner you swich, the sooner you business will start to benefit from the efficiencies, additional functionalities, and cost savings of a digital service.

The Big Switch-Off action plan

An organisation's transition plan will be determined by the size and scope of its operations and the complexity of its existing infrastructure, but should contain four common steps:

1. Assess your telecommunication infrastructure / audit your PTSN lines 

• Inventory all PSTN/ISDN devices in your business and identify all services that rely on PTSN lines.

2. Assess / upgrade network infrastructure

• Ensure you have a robust, high-speed internet connection that will support increased bandwidth requirement.

3. Develop a migration plan 

• Create a detailed plan that includes timelines, budget considerations, and training programs.
• Assess all security considerations and implement appropriate security measures.

4. Implement, test, and test again.

• Phase out old systems systematically.
• Introduce new systems methodically.
• Conduct rigorous testing to ensure systems function flawlessly; involve all users if possible.
• If a complete switchover is too disruptive, consider a phased approach.

Need a hand?

With so many systems, so many options, and the critical importance of getting it right, the Big Switch Off may seem like a daunting process.

That's why SCCI Alphatrack is on hand to help you connect your future. Let’s talk—reach out today!