BT Has Extended Its Deadline for Landline Switchover to 2027: 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Wait
Yes, it’s true. BT has extended its deadline for landline switchover to 2027. While you might think you can kick the can down the road, there are a few reasons why delaying your business’s digital landline switchover isn’t a good idea. Here are five of the most compelling. But before we get stuck in, here’s a reminder why it matters.
Why the BT Landline Switchover in 2027 Matters
According to a recent business survey, 62.1% of UK businesses were still using traditional landlines in 2024. That’s a shocking statistic considering the BT landline digital switchover is scheduled for late January 2027. What’s more, BT claims that 22% of small businesses in the country still regard themselves as analog operations.
When copper phone lines go, VoIP will be your new best friend – but it needs preparation, staff training, and operational setup. There’s a lot of work to do, so leaving it until the first week of 2027 doesn’t leave you any wriggle room for teething issues.
Put simply, the sooner you prepare for the digital landline switchover, the better!
BT Has Extended Its Deadline for Landline Switchover to 2027 – But You Should Act Now
By January 2027, the analog Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) will be history, replaced by digital Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
With 99.8% of UK businesses being SMEs, employing over 13 million people, this isn’t just a tech hiccup—it’s a make-or-break moment. Waiting until the last minute risks chaos, costs, and lost customers. Here are five reasons you need to act now to stay ahead of the digital landline switchover.
1. Avoid the Late 2026 Rush
If you think you’ve got plenty of time until January 2027, think again. With thousands of businesses still relying on analog landlines for calls, fax machines, or payment systems, the demand for VoIP equipment and services will skyrocket in 2026.
Imagine trying to snag VoIP phones or adapters when every other SME is doing the same – stock shortages and installation delays are almost guaranteed. Early movers can secure their setups smoothly, ensuring their phones keep ringing while others scramble.
Start researching VoIP options today to dodge the chaos and keep your business running like clockwork.
2. Prevent Costly Downtime
Delaying your transition could leave you high and dry when PSTN shuts down. Many businesses depend on analog-linked gear like alarms, EPOS systems, or fax machines, and these won’t play nice with VoIP without upgrades.
If you’re caught unprepared, you could face days or weeks of downtime, grinding operations to a halt. That’s not just an inconvenience – it’s lost sales and frustrated customers. Competitors who switch early will keep chugging along, ready to swoop in on your clients.
Audit your equipment now, check VoIP compatibility, and plan your migration to sidestep disruptions and protect your bottom line. If you need digital telephone equipment, now is the time to start acquiring it.
Remember: Once the digital landline switchover has taken place, your business won’t be able to revert to its copper landline in the event of issues. Start the transition today – while you still have a traditional business phone line as backup.
3. Lock in Lower Costs
Switching to VoIP requires a capital investment. Expect to pay £100 to £1,000 – or more – for new phones, adapters, or broadband upgrades, depending on your setup. For cash-strapped SMEs, that’s a punch to the gut, and prices could climb as 2027 nears due to surging demand.
Waiting also risks missing out on cost-saving opportunities like free adapters from some providers or government grants for digital transitions. By budgeting and shopping now, you can spread costs over time, compare plans, and hunt for deals.
Acting early means you’re not stuck paying premium prices in a 2026 frenzy, keeping more cash in your pocket.
4. Keep Customers Happy
Imagine trying to integrate a VoIP business telephone system into your business when the BT landline digital switchover deadline is looming. If your staff aren’t ready or you haven’t tested the technology fully, you could be left without an effective telephony system. Your customers may not take too kindly to that.
The best way to keep existing customers happy and prospective customers interested is to ensure your telephone communications are efficient and fully effective. And that’s easier to do when you gradually integrate VoIP – rather than rushing it through in early 2027!
5. Gain a Competitive Edge
The digital landline switchover isn’t just a hurdle – it’s a chance to shine. Early VoIP adopters can tap into features like call analytics, voicemail-to-email, or CRM integration, boosting efficiency and customer service. These tools let you outsmart bigger rivals, but only if you act fast.
Waiting lets competitors leap ahead, stealing your market share with slicker operations. Rural businesses, facing trickier broadband issues, need extra lead time to sort connectivity.
Install a digital business phone system now, and you’ll be the one setting the pace, not eating dust.
Beat the Digital Landline Switchover with a Powerful Digital Business Phone System
OK, BT has extended its deadline for landline switchover to 2027, but don’t let that lull your business into a false sense of security. Change is just around the corner, and preparing for it today will make the transition smoother – for your team and your customers.
Reach out to the SiPalto team today to discuss custom digital business telephone systems that will prepare you for the BT landline switchover in 2027.
