ISDN switch off postponed to 2027

BT has announced a delay in its ISDN and PSTN switch-off timeline, moving the deadline to January 31, 2027, instead of the original December 2025 target. This decision allows more time for customers, especially those with specific needs or relying on legacy systems like alarms and telecare devices, to transition smoothly to modern digital networks. The move reflects BT’s commitment to ensuring all users are equipped with reliable and future-proofed connectivity solutions, such as fibre-based VoIP systems.

The ISDN and PSTN switch-off marks the end of outdated copper-based technology in favour of faster, more efficient digital networks. Businesses and households are encouraged to act promptly to upgrade their systems to avoid service disruptions. While this extension provides additional time, telecom providers are urging users to plan ahead and transition sooner to ensure readiness before the deadline​

The countdown to The Great British ISDN Switch-off continues, and your time to switch is quickly approaching, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. You have time to choose the best modern VoIP-based telephone system to replace your ageing analogue telephone system for your business, as the ISDN switch-off isn’t until 2025.

At easyNetworks, we recommend exploring all your options before deciding. It is vital that you have all the facts about what is replacing ISDN so you can make the right choice before committing to a new system in preparation for the 2025 deadline.

Our new article will tell you everything that you need to know about the switch-off, ISDN, and the choices available to you.

An ISDN line is the primary carrier and was the most popular way of making phone calls worldwide. It’s a group of communication standards to make phone calls, video calls, transmit data, and other network services over the circuits of the traditional BT PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). BT introduced ISDN in the UK in 1986, adding features that were not available on an older telephone system.

In 2015 BT announced that they are planning to switch off the ISDN/PSTN network, as it has now been superseded by IP (Internet Protocol) based technology.

BT are no longer taking orders for PSTN or ISDN circuits, or related ISDN products in many areas, and they plan on retiring this legacy technology in 2025. There is no concrete ISDN switch-off date, just the year of termination. However, this doesn’t mean you should wait too long if you are still reliant on this old network – as ISDN and PSTN skills at BT are diminishing as they cease investment in such old technology, so if something goes wrong, it’s likely to take much longer to fix it.

The switch-off affects UK PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), which are commonly used by businesses. If you are wondering what is replacing ISDN, all companies that now rely on ISDN circuits will have to adopt VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephony by 2025, as all phone calls will be delivered over the internet in the future.

ISDN has become less and less relevant over time for a number of reasons, such as cost, lack of agility and scalability and more.

• Traditional ISDN is expensive – and you must pay for calls (most VoIP systems include free calls).
• Traditional ISDN has little flexibility, tying your business to physical locations.
• Traditional ISDN cannot support a hybrid model; a shift to a cloud-based system will allow scalable, flexible remote working.
• It doesn’t make financial sense to keep improving the ISDN network – at the end of the day, it all boils down to it being out of date. Your business should focus its sights on switching to a cloud phone system – future proof your business.

Wondering what is replacing ISDN? You can easily switch to a Cloud Phone System.

A Cloud Phone system from easyNetworks will revolutionise the way your staff collaborates. A traditional on-premises telephone system (or Private Branch Exchange PBX) is too restrictive and outdated. Still, our cloud phone system is different: It hosts a range of brilliant features suitable for flexible/remote working, call recording, reporting, VoIP physical telephones or softphones, call centre, CRM integrations, and so much more.

You can upgrade to a new system that supports SIP.

For the “layperson” a SIP channel works in an equivalent way to an ISDN line but is internet-based and usually comes with free calls. Additional SIP channels can also be added very quickly as there is no need for a BT engineer to come and install them.

If your existing phone system is old, there’s a strong likelihood it cannot support SIP or it will be cost-prohibitive to over-haul it, so now might be the time to look for a whole new system.

Cloud Phone from easyNetworks is a flexible and reliable platform that enables hybrid working and can revolutionise your business communication for as little as £6 per user per month.

For more details on how Cloud Phone can work for your business, use the following form to book a call with one of our cloud phone experts or call us today.

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Author
Barbara Haratyk is an SEO and content marketing specialist at Solent Media Marketing, helping businesses create authoritative, search-focused content.