Switchover - Comms Council UK

THE GREAT VOICE SWITCHOVER

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Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is being retired, with most customers expected to be switched by the end of January 2027. Landline calls will increasingly be delivered over a broadband connection, using a digital technology called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), bringing landline communications in line with 21st century technology.

The PSTN is no longer a reliable means of landline communication – the infrastructure is ageing, with parts that are expensive or difficult to maintain resulting in increasing service incidents as reported by Ofcom. As a result, there is a risk to public welfare if customers are left to rely on the PSTN

CCUK created guidance for customers and services providers. You can find them below.

Guidance for customers

If you use a landline telephone in your home or business, this consumer’s guide to the telephone switchover will give you more information to help you:

Understand the details of what is happening to the telephone network
What this means for your telephone service – including your phone number and telephone handset
Get your house/business premises set up for the new system
Communicate with your current telephone service provider
Ensure that you can continue to access the emergency services during a power cut

Guidance for service providers

If you are a service provider, our industry guide to the PSTN switch-off will give you more information and guidance on:

Properly preparing your customers for the change
Working effectively with your provider/Openreach
The long-term business implications and the change and how to remain effective in the new environment