The UK Copper Network Switch-Off: Is Your Business Ready?
The UK's old copper phone network is being switched off, and many businesses still don't realise how much could be affected.
This isn't just about traditional landline phones anymore.
More Than You Might Think Is at Risk
A huge number of business services still rely on legacy PSTN or copper-based infrastructure behind the scenes. That includes:
- Multi-line phone systems
- ISDN services
- Broadband and internet connections
- Alarm lines
- Lift emergency phones
- PDQ and card payment terminals
- CCTV and monitoring systems
- Older leased line or data services, including legacy BTnet
Some businesses may already have services at risk without even realising it.
The Clock Is Ticking
A recent post from a BT Business colleague put it clearly:
"Clock is ticking to the PSTN network switch-off. We're now less than nine months away from the closure of the legacy network in January 2027, and some businesses are still planning for the big upgrade. Not all services can be protected, and these will remain at risk. They include: ISDN2, ISDN30, Featureline, Multiline, BTNet, and Gfast. Every one of them needs an alternative IP solution. In February 2027, when the network is closed, Openreach will migrate any lines that remain to an emergency, voice-only service, retaining critical voice lines, but potentially losing the data services. The time to upgrade is now."
— Steve, BT Business, May 2026
That's a pretty clear message. If you're still on any of those services, the window to act is closing fast.
How Connection Worx Can Help
As a BT Authorised Reseller, Connection Worx can provide a free estate review to help identify any legacy or at-risk services across your business and advise on suitable alternatives before the January 2027 deadline.
Whether your services are currently with BT or another provider, we can help you sense-check what you have and what may need attention, before it becomes urgent.
Book your free Connectivity Review here
Or get in touch and we'll take it from there.
