Last Updated on January 2, 2025
The ISDN switch-off is one of the most significant transitions in the UK’s telecommunications industry, impacting businesses and individuals.
By the end of 2027, traditional phone services will cease to exist, marking the end of an era and the beginning of fully digital telephony.
Businesses that rely on Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) or Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) lines must plan to ensure they remain connected.
For some, the switch-off may seem like an inconvenience, but for many, it represents an opportunity.
Modern telephony solutions such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) replace older systems and bring enhanced features, improved scalability, and cost savings.
We’ll help you understand what the switch-off means, how it impacts your business, and how Air Landline can help you prepare.
What is the ISDN Switch Off?
The ISDN switch-off is a move by BT and other providers to retire its ageing ISDN and PSTN networks.
These systems, once revolutionary in their ability to deliver voice and data over digital lines, are no longer equipped to meet the demands of modern communication.
The switch-off will see all services on these networks phased out, replaced by a faster, more reliable, internet-based alternative.
For businesses, this means an essential transition. Phone systems, fax machines, and other devices that rely on ISDN or PSTN lines will no longer function unless upgraded to digital-compatible solutions.
The physical process of making and receiving calls will stay the same as it is now; however, the infrastructure and networks carrying the calls and data will be transmitted over the internet rather than through single dedicated copper or fibre lines.
This change means a faster and more reliable network that’s cheaper to run and one that offers higher-quality calls.
ISDN Switch Off Date: 2027
The final date for the ISDN switch-off is set for December 2027, with some services expected to become unavailable before then.
Originally planned for 2025, the timeline was extended to give businesses more time to prepare.
However, waiting until the last minute could leave your business at risk of disruptions or increased costs.
The delay was caused by phone providers and the government wanting to guarantee that every vulnerable customer, as well as the emergency services, were able to use the new VoIP network reliably and without disruption.
As an example, elderly customers living in sheltered accommodations with emergency alarms currently require traditional phone lines to submit their signal, but this is set to change in the next few years as the network continues to be upgraded.
What Does This All Mean?
For businesses, the switch-off means change. It’s not just about replacing landlines; it’s about adopting modern solutions that align with the digital age.
Analog systems will cease to function, so businesses that rely on traditional lines for communication, alarms, or faxes will need to act.
The transition requires businesses to evaluate their current systems and explore digital alternatives, such as VoIP.
Air Landline offers a free 7-day VoIP trial, allowing customers to pick an area code from anywhere in the UK or, alternatively, a national number.
From there, we generate a phone number that can then be forwarded to any number you like, with most people electing to forward it to their mobile phones.
After the trial, it’s £9.99 + VAT, and it comes with advanced call features such as a welcome message, voicemail, call records, and music storage, making it far superior to a standard landline or regular mobile connection.
We have thousands of customers all over the UK that have decided to use Air Landline as their new provider as a way of planning effectively for the ISDN and PSTN switch off.
Has the Switch-Off Been Delayed by BT?
Yes, the final deadline for the switch-off has been extended to 2027, providing businesses with additional time to make necessary changes.
While this offers some breathing room, it’s essential not to delay. Early adoption allows you to manage the transition on your terms rather than facing last-minute disruptions.
Getting used to the new VoIP service by taking a 7-day trial with Air Landline is a great option for businesses to try and get used to the new service while having the ability to select an area code that suits them.
Why Is ISDN Being Phased Out?
ISDN and PSTN are being retired for several reasons:
Obsolete Technology: Developed decades ago, these systems are no longer capable of meeting the demands of modern communication. The infrastructure, whilst highly effective initially, simply isn’t good enough to cope with increased demand and modern usage.
High Maintenance Costs: Maintaining analogue networks is expensive, especially when digital alternatives are more efficient.
There are thousands of miles of cabling as well as hundreds of local exchanges that require constant repair and upgrades. Moving to internet-based telephony is a much more cost-effective way to run the network.
Global Standardisation: Many countries have already transitioned to fully digital telephony, and the UK needs to ensure it’s keeping up with European and American countries that are using this improved technology.
Digital Transformation: The switch-off is part of the government’s broader strategy to modernise the UK’s communication infrastructure and take us into the next digital age.
This shift reflects the growing need for fast, reliable, and feature-rich communications in an increasingly digital world.
What Are the Benefits of the ISDN Turn-Off?
The switch-off isn’t just about ending outdated systems; it’s about embracing the future.
Businesses that transition to digital solutions can enjoy a range of benefits:
Lower Costs
VoIP eliminates the need for costly line rentals and hardware.
Calls over the Internet are often cheaper, particularly for international communication.
With Air Landline, you can get a FREE 7-day trial before paying just £9.99 + VAT per month, much cheaper than traditional landline and mobile phone providers.
Better Features
- Choose your own area code – With Air Landline, you can choose any local area code you want from anywhere in the UK, giving you hundreds of different area codes. All you need to do is select which one you want, and we’ll generate a number quickly and easily.
- Link your number – Simply tell us which number(s) you want your new VoIP telephone number diverted to, and we’ll set up call forwarding almost instantly. Not only that, you can quickly and easily change this in your user panel, set up a welcome message, hold music and even call recording if you need it.
- Advertise yourself – With your new professional business number, you can place this all over your company literature, advertising, and anywhere you need people to see it. You can, for example, link it to Google Ads with a ‘click to call’ feature that customers can dial from mobile, landline, or laptop or over the internet. You can make this your main number that all your customers know.
- Get noticed – It’s all about how you come across, and with a professional, mobile, and flexible business number, you no longer need to advertise your mobile number, which can often make you look unprofessional or too small to do business with. Air Landline allows you to choose, utilise and advertise a professional telephone number.
- Welcome message – You can set a personalised welcome message for your customers to hear as soon as they reach your number. If you’d prefer the personal touch, then you’re able to record your own voice, which will play automatically. If you’d rather, you can use our AI voice generator to send your message directly to your customers.
- Know who’s calling from where – By getting a virtual phone number with Air Landline, you can see who’s calling you and which number they’ve called before you even pick up the phone, meaning you can be more prepared. If you’re off for the day or the weekend, you can see it’s a business call rather than a personal call and simply divert to voicemail or call back when you’re in a better position to talk.
- Hold music – You can select hold music from our library so that if you’re not able to get to your customers straight away, they get a professional experience rather than simply hearing the phone ring and ring until the call ends.
- Log your calls – You can select call recording so that you never miss anything in your customer interactions, with the ability to go back and listen to calls that might be important or have details you need to go back to and log.
- Missed call notifications – If you miss a call, then you’ll get an instant email update from us telling you who called and when so that you can return the call as quickly as possible.
- Recorded Voicemail – You can record your own voicemail message so that if you do miss a call and your customers hit the voicemail, you can give it a personal touch, and they’ll know that you’ll get right back to them as soon as you can.
- Log your voicemails – You’ll get an instant email notification if you receive a voicemail with the recording attached so that you can file these in your emails, or you can simply go back at your convenience and see what you’ve missed.
- WhatsApp Business integration – If you’d like the ability to WhatsApp your customers with your Air Landline number, that’s not a problem. We can get that set up so that you’re able to interact over WhatsApp Business with your professional business number, which gives far superior and professional service compared to traditional methods.
- Recorded call history – Go back through your call history via the user panel anytime you need so that if, for whatever reason, you need to go back and see who’s called you or vice versa, you can get this information whenever you need.
Enhanced Productivity
With the ability to forward calls to multiple mobiles as well as enhanced features such as holding music and menus, productivity can be increased compared to older, more traditional landlines and mobiles.
What Are ISDN and PSTN?
Both ISDN and PSTN have been the backbone of UK telephony for decades:
PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network): This analogue network supports traditional landlines, transmitting voice over copper wires.
ISDN (Integrated Service Digital Network): An upgrade to PSTN, ISDN allows for digital voice and data transmission, enabling faster and clearer communication.
What Is Going to Replace ISDN in the UK?
The replacement for ISDN and PSTN is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
Unlike traditional lines, VoIP uses the internet to transmit calls, offering enhanced speed, reliability, and flexibility.
VoIP systems are future-proof, scalable, and capable of integrating with other digital tools.
What Is VoIP?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that enables voice communication over the Internet and business broadband.
VoIP systems convert audio into digital data, transmitting it over the internet and delivering high-quality calls.
Unlike traditional telephony, VoIP products are packed with advanced features, including call recording, analytics, and WhatsApp integration.
Benefits of VoIP
Cost Efficiency
With VoIP, there’s no need for expensive line rentals. Maintenance costs are lower, and calls are more affordable.
With Air Landline, you get great features and your own VoIP number for just £9.99+ VAT per month.
Scalability
Adding or removing users is simple and cost-effective, making VoIP ideal for businesses of all sizes.
With Air Landline, you can forward to multiple mobile numbers if required.
Mobility
VoIP supports much-needed remote work, allowing employees to stay connected wherever they are.
Advanced Features
Air Landline offers excellent features like business welcome messages, business hold music, call recording, local and national numbers, business call heads up and much more!
Reliability
Modern internet infrastructure via your IP ensures that VoIP systems deliver clear, uninterrupted calls, even during high volumes.
What Does This Mean for Your Business?
The ISDN switch-off requires planning before the shut off.
Businesses must move to digital telephony to maintain continuity and avoid disruptions. The risks of not transitioning include:
Loss of Communication: Without alternatives, systems relying on more traditional networks like SIP and ISDN will cease to work.
Operational Downtime: Transitioning too late may result in downtime.
Increased Costs: Last-minute upgrades or emergency solutions are often more expensive.
Competitive Disadvantage: Businesses that delay risk falling behind competitors who adopt modern systems early.
How to Get Started with Your New VoIP System
It is a simple process that takes less than 3 minutes to complete; all we need are some basic details to create your account.
Step 1: Choose your area code
Select which area code you want your phone number to be in. Alternatively, you can transfer your existing number to Air Landline for FREE!
Step 2: Enter your mobile number and email address
Enter your mobile number so that we know where to divert your incoming business calls.
Step 3: That’s it! You’re ready to receive calls!
In the next couple of minutes, you’ll be emailed your brand-new virtual landline number, and that’s it. You’re ready to start using our VoIP service!
FAQ
However, this must be planned and requested before ISDN is switched off.
With Air Landline, you can port over your existing landline number for free.
Summary – ISDN Switch Off
The ISDN switch-off by BT Openreach is a pivotal step toward modernising the centre of UK communications and modern media.
Businesses that embrace VoIP before the network is switched off early can avoid disruptions, lower costs, and enjoy a wealth of new features.
Start your transition with Air Landline today and position your business for success in the digital era!