PSTN Switch-Off: Is Your Business Ready?

The UK’s Telephone Network is Changing.

The UK’s traditional telephone network, known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), is being permanently switched off by 31 January 2027.

Businesses that continue to rely on PSTN or ISDN services must migrate to digital alternatives before this date. Failure to do so could result in critical systems no longer functioning as expected.

A sunset horizon showing network with blue lines

Why Does This Matter?

Many organisations assume the switch only affects desk telephones. However, a wide range of business-critical systems may still rely on PSTN or ISDN connectivity, including:

  • Fire alarm signalling systems.
  • Intruder alarms.
  • CCTV monitoring.
  • Lift emergency phones.
  • Telecare and welfare systems.
  • Door entry and access control systems.
  • Payment terminals.
  • Environmental monitoring systems.
  • Building management systems.
  • If these systems are not upgraded or migrated, they may fail when analogue services are withdrawn.

What Should Businesses Do?

1. Identify Connected Systems: Carry out an audit of your premises and identify any equipment that uses a telephone line or SIM-based communication pathway.

2. Contact Your Service Providers: Speak to your telecommunications, alarm, monitoring and maintenance providers to determine whether your systems are PSTN-dependent and what migration options are available.

3. Review Fire and Security Systems: Ensure your fire alarm monitoring, remote signalling and security systems are compatible with digital networks. This is particularly important where systems provide life-safety functions.

4. Plan Early: As the national migration programme progresses, demand for upgrades and engineering support is expected to increase. Early planning will help avoid disruption.

Fire Safety Considerations

Businesses should pay particular attention to any fire alarm systems that transmit signals to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) via telephone lines.

If your alarm signalling relies on PSTN infrastructure and is not upgraded in time, there is a risk that:

  • Fire alarm activations may not be transmitted correctly.
  • Fault monitoring could be affected.
  • Business continuity and fire safety arrangements could be compromised.

Responsible Persons should seek assurance from their fire alarm and monitoring providers that their systems are suitable for operation beyond January 2027.

Your Responsibilities

  • Under fire safety legislation, Responsible Persons must ensure that fire safety measures are maintained in an efficient state and remain fit for purpose.
  • Understanding how the PSTN switch-off may affect your fire safety and business-critical systems is an important part of maintaining effective risk management and business continuity arrangements.
  • Act Now
  • Don’t wait until the final stages of the national switchover.
  • Review your systems, contact your providers and develop a migration plan to ensure your business remains connected, protected and operational after 31 January 2027.
  • For further information, contact your telecommunications provider, fire alarm maintenance company, security provider, or monitoring service provider.