The old analogue phone network is being retired. If your business still uses traditional phone lines, ADSL broadband, alarm lines or other copper-based services, you need a plan. Drakos Systems helps Northern Ireland businesses check what is affected and move to the right alternatives before services stop working.
Book a PSTN readiness check
Call or email Drakos Systems to check what your business needs to move before the deadline. Belfast based, supporting businesses across Northern Ireland.
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is the traditional copper phone network that has been in use for decades. BT Openreach is retiring it and migrating all services to an all-IP digital network. The full switch off is planned for 2027, with some areas and exchanges migrating earlier.
Once your local exchange switches over, any service relying on a copper phone line will stop working unless it has already been replaced with a digital alternative. This is not optional. The deadline applies to every business, regardless of size or sector.
PSTN switch off planned before the deadline
The switch off affects more than just desk phones. Many businesses are surprised by the range of services that rely on old analogue lines.
Any desk phone connected to a traditional PSTN or ISDN line. This includes single lines, multi-line systems and older PBX setups.
ADSL and ADSL2+ broadband services run over copper phone lines. If your broadband is delivered this way, it will need to be replaced with a fibre or alternative service.
Many intruder alarms and fire alarm systems use a dedicated phone line to report to a monitoring centre. These need checking and replacing with an IP or 4G alternative.
Lifts are required by law to have an emergency phone connection. Most older installations use a PSTN line. These will need to be replaced before the switch off.
Some older EPOS and card payment terminals use a phone line as their primary or backup connection. Check with your payment provider whether your terminals are affected.
Door intercoms and access control systems that dial through to a phone may use a PSTN line. IP-based alternatives are available.
If your business still uses a fax machine, it almost certainly relies on a PSTN line. Online fax services and email are practical alternatives.
Out-of-hours numbers, remote offices, warehouses or yard offices connected via old phone lines may all be affected. Check every site, not just the main office.
Drakos Systems helps businesses across Northern Ireland work through the PSTN Switch Off in a sensible order. We start by checking what you currently have, then recommend what to replace first based on business risk.
Voice over IP (VoIP) is the main replacement for PSTN lines. Calls are made and received over a broadband connection rather than a copper phone line. For most businesses, a hosted VoIP system provides the same features as a traditional phone system, plus additional features such as call recording, mobile apps, auto-attendant, call queues and Microsoft Teams integration.
Key points for Northern Ireland businesses:
See our VoIP phone systems page for more detail on what a managed VoIP system includes.
One concern businesses raise about moving to VoIP is that if the broadband fails, the phones fail too. This is a fair point. Drakos Systems can advise on 4G and 5G SIM backup options that keep key services running during a broadband outage.
A router with an active SIM slot can automatically switch to mobile broadband if the main line drops, keeping VoIP, cloud software and other key services online while the fault is fixed. This is not suitable for every site, but for businesses where phone availability matters a great deal, it is worth discussing.
See our broadband failover page for more information.
Tell us what phone system and broadband you currently have and we will let you know what needs to move and when. No jargon, no pressure.
The PSTN Switch Off is the retirement of the old analogue Public Switched Telephone Network. BT Openreach is migrating all services to an all-IP digital network. The full switch off is planned for 2027, though some areas are moving earlier. Any service that relies on a traditional copper phone line will need to be replaced or moved.
Office phone lines, ADSL broadband, alarm lines, lift phones, fax machines, door entry systems, card payment terminals connected over phone lines, out-of-hours numbers, and remote sites that still use old ISDN or PSTN connections may all need to be reviewed.
Yes. Drakos Systems can review your current phone lines, broadband, router and VoIP options for Northern Ireland businesses. We handle number porting, handset supply, call routing and ongoing support.
Start by listing every service that uses a phone line or ADSL connection. This includes office phones, alarm monitoring lines, lift emergency phones, door entry, EPOS systems and any broadband service delivered over copper. Once you know what is affected, you can plan replacements in the right order.
VoIP depends on broadband. If the main broadband line fails and there is no backup, calls will stop. Drakos Systems can advise on SIM backup and broadband failover options to keep VoIP and other key services running during a broadband outage.
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