The UK’s Telecommunications network is changing. This could impact the operation of your buildings because alarms, emergency lift lines, and the like may stop working.
The upcoming Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch-off on 31st January 2027 is set to transform the UK’s telecommunications landscape, and owners of buildings need to act now.
Why this matters for businesses
Businesses operate complex, interconnected environments, and many essential services still rely on PSTN-based infrastructure. Some of the key areas at risk include:
- Emergency lift lines – Compliance with B.S. EN 81-28 requires a reliable, always-on two-way communication system in lifts, which traditional PSTN-based solutions won’t support post the switch off.
- Security and Fire alarms – Many alarm systems still use analogue PSTN lines for monitoring and must be upgraded to digital alternatives.
- ATMs and payment terminals – Cash machines and card payment systems often run on PSTN lines, which will cease to function if not upgraded.
- Intercom and entry systems – Building/campus access control systems reliant on traditional phone lines will need digital alternatives.
- University clearing call centres – Often use ISDN technology which is also to be withdrawn.
- Fax machines – Still widely used in administration, particularly in legal, medical, and international student departments.
Business premises and on-campus networks are not normally in scope for a Fibre To The Premises (FTTP) upgrade, meaning at best FTTP will be available at the curtilage of the site or if lucky, built to a comms. room on site. Accordingly, additional work would be needed to enable FTTP connectivity through a building or across a campus.
A further consideration will be the need for power back up, given that broadband services will not function in a localised power cut and so will be critical for business continuity.
Act Now to Avoid Last-Minute Disruption
Building owners must audit their PSTN and ISDN services now to avoid connectivity issues. The longer organisations wait, the harder it will be to secure the necessary resources, engineers, and equipment for migration.
We have many years’ experience in the PSTN, and the replacement products that are available, ranging from low bandwidth to multi-Gbit and both fixed network and wireless.
- Navigating the PSTN switch-off is complex, especially for large, multi-building institutions, but it needn’t be with the help of our independent experts.
Audit, audit, audit!
We can carry out an audit of your Telecoms estate to identify:
- What lines you have
- What they’re used for
- Who you buy them from
- What alternative options are there
- Recommendations on the way forward
Telecoms audits often have the additional benefit of identifying lines that may not be needed moving forwards and these can be ceased.
Migration, Build and further exploitation
With your personalised report and recommendations, we can help develop your migration plan through our project management and perform in premise/on campus build, integration & commissioning.
To further leverage your new network, we can suggest additional enhancements that could make your operation even more effective e.g. full wi-fi coverage through your building/across your campus and on-premises Data Centres.
