Written by Steven Try, Channel Manager UK&I at Snom.
You could forgive businesses for not rushing to prepare for the Public Switched Telephone
Network (PSTN) switch-off, given its initial deadline of December 2025 was delayed by over a year. But now businesses can’t delay any longer – the new deadline of January 2027 is fast approaching and any systems dependent on copper-based networks will simply stop working after this time.
In February 2026, national network provider Openreach highlighted that more than half a million business lines had still not migrated, however. Many of these organisations are smaller or specialist providers, who may have underestimated their dependency on analogue or ISDN lines.
Integrated Digital Services Network (ISDN) systems run over the same copper lines and are still used to power phones in reception areas, customer services and doctors’ surgeries. Other business areas which can be overlooked, but rely on legacy lines, include alarm systems, lift emergency phones and door entry/intercom systems. If these systems aren’t migrated in time, critical alerts will not be sent and staff will be locked out of premises.
To minimise disruption, SMEs should start exploring alternative IP-based communication
options and identify challenges they may face as early as possible. Any successful migration should start with understanding both current and future business requirements.
Understanding Business Needs
Before adopting a new solution, it’s important for SMEs to assess how their business
communicates on a day-to-day basis. Beyond traditional telephony, businesses now have
access to a wide range of tools, including instant messaging, video conferencing, mobile
integration, voice applications and collaboration platforms designed to support team
productivity.
The key is to determine which features are genuinely valuable to different users across the
business. Not every employee will require the same functionality. For example, a mechanic in a workshop may have little need for messaging features. However, they may require a device with a flashing light, so that they can notice a call even in noisy environments. Whereas a sales manager, who is constantly in contact with customers and colleagues, may need to answer calls both on their mobile and on a desk phone via the same extension.
It’s also worth considering how communication tools can make individuals and departments
more efficient. Employees working across large sites, such as warehouses and distribution
centres, may benefit from cordless IP phones that allow greater mobility while staying
connected.
Advantages Of IP-based Communication Solutions
As businesses move away from ISDN, there are a range of IP-based communication solutions that can be considered. One of the most widely adopted options is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), which enables voice calls to be made over an internet connection using IP-enabled devices.
Compared with traditional phones systems, IP-based solutions offer several benefits that can help businesses to operate more efficiently and adapt to changing ways of working:
Breadth Of Features
Switching to an IP phone provides users with access to a wide range of features, including
programmable function keys and robust security measures which keep out hackers. It’s even possible to integrate AI with these devices, so conversations can be transcribed into digital documents.
Greater Flexibility
IP phones can be connected anywhere within an IP network and will automatically reconnect once installed. This makes them highly flexible tools for modern businesses. Employees can work from different locations while maintaining access to the same communication network and address book. Businesses can also scale their communication up or down easily by adding or removing users as requirements change.
Lower Costs
Single cell DECT-over-IP systems, which use one base station to provide wireless coverage for a small area, enable SMEs to upgrade their communications without the need to deploy a full phone system. Businesses in smaller office spaces and stores can quickly deploy a few cordless handsets with minimal disruption or installation needed, keeping costs down and staff connected.
Supporting Hybrid And Remote Working
IP-based phone systems make it easier to support employees working from home, in the office or across different sites. Devices can be deployed and updated or reconfigured with minimal disruption via remote provisioning, simplifying ongoing management and reducing maintenance costs for businesses.
By taking proactive steps to assess their communication needs and making the switch to VoIP-based solutions before the 2027 deadline, SMEs can address potential challenges and keep operations running smoothly once the changeover kicks in.
