For businesses across the UK, the PSTN switch-off is no longer something to leave until later. By 31 January 2027, providers must move analogue phone lines to digital services, and Openreach stopped selling analogue phone lines to new customers in 2023. If your business still relies on PSTN, ISDN or broadband linked to a traditional phone line, now is the time to plan your move.
It’s Not Just About Your Desk Phones
The change affects far more than voice calls. BT says services such as alarms, EPOS machines, door entry systems, CCTV, fax machines and other line-dependent equipment could all be affected. If your broadband still depends on a traditional phone line, that may need upgrading too. For many organisations, the real risk is not just missed calls, but disruption to day-to-day operations.
Why Oxfordshire Businesses Should Act now
Oxfordshire is already seeing this transition happen on the ground. Openreach says Deddington became the first UK location to close the traditional PSTN, while government-backed Project Gigabit is bringing gigabit-capable broadband to around 10,000 hard-to-reach premises in North and South Oxfordshire. Oxfordshire County Council’s Digital Infrastructure Programme also says its mission is to improve broadband and mobile connectivity for residents and businesses across the county.
Waiting could also become more expensive. Openreach has already announced phased price rises on legacy WLR copper products through 2026 to push final migration to digital services. In practice, that means delaying the switch is not a neutral decision for businesses still relying on old infrastructure.
What a Smart Migration Looks Like
The best approach is to treat the PSTN switch-off as a business continuity project. Start by auditing every line, number and connected device across your site or sites. Then review which solution best fits your business: hosted telephony, Business VoIP, SoGEA, FTTP or a leased line. Openreach and BT both make clear that every connected service should be checked, tested and moved in good time, especially where alarms, payment systems or customer-facing communications are involved.
At Fidelity Group, we understand that one size does not fit all. Your ideal setup will depend on how your teams work, how resilient your connection needs to be, and what systems your business depends on every day. That is why our current voice and connectivity services; focus on tailored solutions that improve communication, boost efficiency and support long-term growth, backed by expert support and practical advice.
For Oxfordshire businesses, the PSTN switch-off is also an opportunity. A well-planned migration can leave you with stronger call handling, more flexible working, better resilience and connectivity that is built for modern cloud applications. Start early, get clear on what still depends on analogue lines, and the move becomes a controlled upgrade rather than a last-minute problem.
Book Your PSTN Audit
If your business is still relying on legacy phone lines, now is the time to act. Speak with Fidelity Group and we’ll review your current setup, identify any connected devices at risk, and recommend the right hosted telephony and connectivity solution for your Oxfordshire site or sites. Call 0800 840 6800 or get in touch with our Henley-on-Thames team today.
What is the PSTN Switch-Off?
The PSTN switch-off is the UK-wide retirement of analogue phone lines. By 31 January 2027, businesses using PSTN, ISDN, ADSL or related analogue services need to move to digital, IP-based services.
What Business Services Could be Affected?
Any service relying on a traditional phone line may be affected, including alarms, EPOS terminals, CCTV, fax machines, door entry systems and some broadband connections.
Can I keep my Existing Number and Handset?
In many cases, existing handsets can still be used with the right setup, but number retention depends on the options offered by your provider.
What Should Oxfordshire Businesses Do now?
Start with an audit of every line, number and connected device, then review the right combination of telephony and connectivity for your site. Acting early reduces risk, avoids late migration pressure and helps you move to a more resilient setup before the PSTN switch-off.
The schema below mirrors the FAQ content above and uses the same verified dates and service impacts.
