Openreach has issued a sharp warning to UK businesses. The retirement of the copper-based phone network now has six months remaining.
The PSTN, or Public Switched Telephone Network, will close on 31 January 2027. Around 350,000 business premises still need to move to digital alternatives.
This deadline matters beyond standard phone calls. Many firms still run payment terminals, lift alarms, security systems, and other operational tools on copper lines. If these services remain unchanged, they may stop working after the switch-off.
Openreach estimates that around 1.5 million lines still use the copper network. That figure includes business services which often sit outside normal IT planning. As a result, some organisations may not know they remain exposed.
To address this, Openreach has launched its Big Switch Off campaign. It targets communications providers and businesses that have delayed migration. The company wants firms to check every service, not just voice lines.
Digital alternatives can bring clear benefits. They support more flexible operations and easier service management. They also align with modern broadband and cloud-based communications. For many firms, the transition opens the door to VoIP services and smarter monitoring tools.
However, the move also creates pressure. Businesses must audit older systems and contact suppliers. They may need new equipment, updated contracts, and staff training. Smaller firms could find the process difficult if they start late.
Openreach Director of All-IP, James Lilley, said: “The PSTN switch-off is now just six months away and there is no extension to the deadline. While millions of customers and many providers and businesses have already made great progress, too many organisations remain exposed to unnecessary risk by delaying their migration plans.
“Inaction is no longer about uncertainty but preparedness, and those who wait risk leaving customers exposed to avoidable service disruption. The consequences go beyond technical issues – they can lead to lost revenue, operational difficulties and a poorer experience for customers.”
His warning reflects a wider industry shift. Telecoms operators across Europe continue replacing legacy networks with IP-based platforms. These systems carry voice and data over modern broadband infrastructure.
For engineers and IT teams, the task now becomes practical. They must identify every device using a legacy line. That includes alarms, fax machines, door entry systems, emergency phones, and card readers.
Lilley added: “The message is simple: act now. Businesses should speak to their service provider today, understand which services could be affected, and make sure they have a clear migration plan in place well before January 2027.”
The final months will test coordination across the telecoms supply chain. Providers, resellers, engineers, and customers must move quickly. The deadline will not just close an old network. It will expose any business that failed to prepare.
