The Big Switch Off!
Big changes are on the horizon for the UK’s telephone network, but shockingly, recent industry data shows that nearly three-quarters (72%) of businesses aren’t giving it the attention it deserves. Let me fill you in on the details.
By December 2025, Openreach will be permanently switching off the traditional landline system known as Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN). This move is part of the UK’s plan to digitise the network and transition to Voice IP Services. It’s a major transformation that will reshape how we communicate.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) revolutionises the way we communicate by utilising an internet connection to make and receive calls instead of relying on traditional landlines. With VoIP, you can reach out to anyone without the limitations of local phone service or physical copper wires. All you require is a reliable high-speed internet connection and a VoIP service provider to handle your calls. Plus, you’re no longer confined to a specific desk. Thanks to modern technology, you can leverage a VoIP phone number through a business phone app, transforming your computer or any mobile device into a fully functional phone.
You might be wondering why this change matters. Well, traditional phone connections do much more than provide a dial tone. They play a vital role in various infrastructures, including facilities, businesses, and buildings. So, when December 2025 rolls around, it’s not just about losing your internet connection. We’re talking about potential disruptions to building entry systems, lifts, CCTV, contact centres, and even card payments or telephone banking services. It’s a significant shift that demands attention.
Surprisingly, many facilities managers and businesses are unaware of the impending seismic change and are ill-prepared. That’s where we, at Fusion IT, come in. As a Wildix Gold Partner, we’ve been working closely with businesses across the Region to get them ready for this transformation. We’ve developed a four-phase program to guide them through the process.
- Phase 1: It all starts with reaching out to BT Openreach to find out when the switch-off will happen in your area. Once you have that information, it’s time to assess your connectivity requirements and find the right solution for your business, assets, or building. While switching to mobile data points might seem like a quick fix, it can pose challenges in older buildings with “blind spots.” We’ll help you navigate these complexities.
- Phase 2: An audit of your existing lines is crucial. We’ll work with you to understand how your business uses those lines. You might have cheaper ISDN-2 lines or ISDN-30 lines, each serving specific needs. We’ll also consider how endpoints like alarm systems interact with the exchange — whether it’s through an analogue connection, dedicated ISDN-2 digital service, or a private branch exchange. Understanding your current setup is key to planning for the future.
- Phase 3: We see this shift as an opportunity, not just a challenge. It’s a chance to future-proof your assets. This could involve moving processes to the cloud, streamlining your technology investments, or adopting solutions that leverage the benefits of Industry 4.0. Our team will guide you in assessing your hardware, identifying what you currently use, what you no longer need, and what might be crucial moving forward. We’ll help you invest in solutions that not only solve the immediate problem but also remain adaptable to future changes.
Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution, where advanced digital technologies are integrated into industrial processes to create a connected and intelligent manufacturing environment. It encompasses technologies like IoT, AI, big data analytics, cloud computing, and robotics. With Industry 4.0, machines and systems are interconnected, enabling real-time data exchange and analysis. This revolution aims to enhance productivity, efficiency, and flexibility by enabling intelligent automation, autonomous production, and decentralized decision-making. Industry 4.0 has the potential to transform various sectors and drive innovation, creating a more interconnected and efficient ecosystem for businesses.
- Phase 4: Time is of the essence. We urge all building, facilities, and workplace managers to start preparing now. The 2025 deadline is approaching fast, and you don’t want to be caught off guard. Whether you need minor adjustments to your telephony systems or major reconfigurations to ensure smooth connectivity for lifts and alarms, we’re here to help. Sourcing, testing, and implementing the right solutions takes time, and we’ve got your back.
Remember, you don’t have to go through this transition alone. Alongside engaging with BT Openreach, turn to unified solutions providers like us at Fusion IT. As a Wildix Gold Partner, we have the expertise to audit your existing telephony solutions and recommend the right path forward. With a consultative approach tailored to your business goals, we’ll ensure the solutions we propose have a transformative impact on your building, facility, or business.
The future is coming fast, but with Fusion IT by your side, you can navigate this change smoothly and unlock the benefits that lie ahead.
Thanks
Richard
