Liverpool IT expert James Hamilton warns small businesses need to be ready for the big ‘switch-off’ of traditional phone lines, happening in less than two years. Tony McDonough reports

January 2027 will see one of the biggest changes in UK communications in a generation when traditional landlines are switched off.

For more than 100 years the old copper-based telephone network has been the backbone of communications across Britain. But the PSTN (public switched telephone network) system is old and creaking and its time is coming to a close.

From 2027 the UK’s telephone communications system will become entirely digital. Landlines will be upgraded to digital technology, often using your broadband connection. These types of connections are known as either VoIP or IP voice.

While many homes and businesses in the UK have already dispensed with landlines or are already using VoIP systems, there are many who have yet to make the move and may be confused, or even unaware, of how they will be impacted.

A survey carried out by telecoms provider National Business Communications in 2024 found that more than 62.1% of UK businesses were still using landlines. More worrying was the fact almost 45% were unaware of the imminent switch-off.

Liverpool IT expert James Hamilton, founder of IT consultancy Halcyon, is warning firms that it is not just voice calls that will be affected. Devices such as lift alarms, burglar alarms or card payment systems may also be linked to the current system.

“This is an even bigger change from when the analogue TV signal was switched off a few years ago,” James told LBN. “This has the potential to cause significant disruption to business operations.

“Comms are now critical to businesses. The other week BT and EE services went down for just a couple of hours but that is enough to cause a degree of panic among firms who depend on being constantly connected to the outside world.

“Lots of companies have already migrated to VoIP but there are still a significant number, particularly SMEs, who are still reliant on PSTN and are unsure or unaware of how to deal with this change which is, literally, coming down the line.”

James adds that while some people may question the need for the change, it is necessary and brings big advantages. He explained: “With the expansion of modern communications PSTN is no longer fit for purpose.

“Switching to digital systems will offer clearer voice calls and enhanced reliability. VoIP operates over the internet so there will be potentially lower costs. Smoother video conferencing and faster file uploads will also boost productivity.

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“At Halcyon we offer an expert service for both IT and communications systems. We offer 24/7 response and can have a human engineer on the end of a phone in minutes. Disaster recovery is built into contracts for all of our clients.

“Change is always daunting but this big switch-off will bring huge advantages for businesses and making the change is simpler than you may imagine. But people need to be prepared.”