Survey – 29% of UK Businesses Not Ready for End of Old Phone Lines

A new report from business broadband ISP and communications provider Gamma and the Centre of Economics Business Research (CEBR) has claimed that 29% of UK businesses are still “completely unaware” of the upcoming move to switch-off the old copper-based Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) in December 2025.

All Openreach-based phone providers and broadband ISPs are currently working toward the final switch-off date for the old analogue phone services, such as by adopting alternative all-IP based voice solutions, which tend to require some form of broadband connection in order to function (i.e. Internet Protocol based phone solutions become an optional extra).

The network operator took the first major step towards this final withdrawal in September 2023, when they introduced their long-planned UK wide “stop sell” on sales of new Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) and related broadband ISP products. But Gamma warns that 29% of the 400 UK businesses they surveyed were still unaware of the change, which rises to 54% for businesses that will be directly impacted by the Switch-Off.

Though this process is already underway, 74% of businesses are yet to complete essential migration tasks and 49% haven’t yet started researching alternatives to form a migration plan, to ensure a seamless transition. The report also shows that there is a significant disparity in awareness across different regions as well as industry verticals in the UK.

Businesses in Northern Ireland have the lowest rate of awareness at 44%, followed by 47% in Southeast England. However, in London, 59% of businesses are conscious of the shift, potentially giving them a competitive edge for future proofing their business.

Chris Wade, Chief Marketing and Product Officer at Gamma, says:

“The next 12 months are crucial for UK businesses still using PSTN. Our report highlights that there is still a significant number of businesses currently reliant on legacy services for customer communications, order taking, internal communications, security and even lift operation.

To ensure a smooth transition following the Switch-Off, businesses need to act now and explore alternative digital communications available to them. This way businesses can understand the benefits that come with switching to modern solutions, such as a positive impact on the business’ bottom line as well as increased flexibility and scalability. By doing so, businesses can make sure they don’t make a rash decision – instead, find the right solution for their business needs.”

Admittedly, Gamma does have somewhat of a vested interest in this survey, but the point about awareness it makes is still very valid. However, it should be said that Openreach and BT are aware that there may be problems come 2025 and so, partly as a response to this, they’re currently in the process of developing an alternative analogue-style replacement product (SOTAP for Analogue) that can work over their modern digital network.

The new SOTAP for Analogue solution is a standalone product that will be available “nationally” (not just outside the All IP footprint), which means related end-users will be able to migrate to it even in areas of FTTP and SOGEA (FTTC) coverage. Just to be clear, the focus here is only on migrations for existing / working lines (WLR3), so consumers won’t be able to order it as a new product.

On the other hand, the proposed solution is only intended to be a temporary measure, most likely lasting until around 2030 when thousands of Openreach and BT’s older exchanges start to be switched off. In that sense, businesses really should be looking toward digital / IP based phone solutions now, while a good level of support exists.