If you’re a small business counting the pennies, it’s vital that you consider the landline telephone switch-off impact sooner rather than later. There are some significant cost and operational issues to consider. And the sooner you deal with them, the better prepared your business will be.
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) will be switched off in the UK forever in early January 2027. Digital Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) will largely take its place.
If you’re a business still using copper phone lines to communicate with clients, colleagues, and partners, now is the time to think about the landline telephone switch-off impact.
To put this into some perspective, SMEs account for 99% of UK businesses – employing more than 16 million people. If we, as a nation, aren’t ready, there could be significant economic repercussions.
Getting ready for the BT landline switchover in 2027 means assessing the potential impacts and mitigating them as quickly as possible. Let’s take a close look at those impacts.
Operational Impact
The PTSN switch-off means you’ll need to introduce a viable alternative to your traditional copper phone line by the end of January 2027.
Now, it might seem like you have plenty of time, but there could be a mad last-minute rush for VoIP services during the latter half of 2026. You simply can’t run the risk of being left without a primary telephony system. If you are, your competitors will take advantage.
If you’re a small or medium-sized enterprise, it’s time to prepare for the operational landline telephone switch-off impact possibilities.
Equipement Upgrades
Your copper-line phones won’t work post-switch-off. You’ll need VoIP-compatible phones, routers, or adapters to stay connected.
With 22% of UK businesses still on analog telephone systems, this is a major leap. Upgrading isn’t optional, and delays could mean shortages as demand spikes in 2026. Start researching your options now to keep your business running smoothly.
Connectivity Challenges
VoIP depends on reliable broadband, but rural “not spots”—affecting 10% of the UK—face weak internet.
Ofcom’s Connected Nations 2024 report highlights persistent rural broadband gaps. Check your connection speed today, and if it’s lacking, explore backup options like mobile data to avoid being cut off.
Service Disruptions
Switching to VoIP risks downtime during the transition, especially for businesses using fax machines, alarms, or EPOS systems tied to PSTN. Openreach’s 2024 guide warns that 1.5 million UK businesses rely on these devices.
A glitch during migration could lose you customers, and competitors are ready to pounce. Audit your equipment now to sidestep costly disruptions.
Surely it’s better to make the change well before the BT landline switchover in 2027. If something does go wrong, you will still have your copper landline as backup.
Staff Training
Your team must master VoIP systems, and that takes effort. Last-minute training in 2026 could derail operations. Begin familiarising staff with VoIP basics now, using free online resources or provider guides, to ensure a seamless transition.
Don’t get left behind. Audit your systems, plan upgrades, and train your team today to beat the deadline and stay competitive.
Financial Impact
The BT landline switch-off 2027 is a financial gut punch you can’t ignore. If you’re scraping by, the costs of shifting to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) could hit hard, but waiting for a 2026 scramble will only make it worse. Here’s the cash reality – and why you need to start budgeting now.
Upfront Expenses
Moving to VoIP means new equipment – phones, adapters, or broadband upgrades. For cash-strapped SMEs, these can run from £100 to £1,000, depending on your setup. Many businesses still rely on analog systems, so this upfront cost is a real hurdle. Start setting aside funds or exploring financing now to avoid a budget crisis.
Ongoing Fees
VoIP isn’t a one-and-done deal. Monthly plans start around £10 per user, but beefier broadband to support VoIP can jack up bills. Internet costs vary, especially in rural areas where connections are pricier. These recurring fees creep up fast, so shop around early to lock in affordable plans.
Customer Losses
If you fail to plan ahead, you run the risk of communication blackouts once the PSTN switch-off is complete. If prospective customers can’t reach you for quotes or existing customers can’t get answers to their customer service queries, the lost revenue could be catastrophic – particularly for a small business or startup.
Preparing for the Landline Telephone Switch-Off Impact
Don’t panic. Help is around. There are some excellent digital business telephone specialists in the UK, and they’re ready to help. They’ll set you up with the latest VoIP features, and you’ll be able to keep your existing BT phone number.
If you haven’t already, take the following steps:
Check your setup
Start by auditing your gear. Many businesses rely on PSTN-dependent devices like alarms, EPOS systems, or fax machines that won’t work with VoIP. If these are critical to your operations, you’re vulnerable.
List every piece of equipment tied to your landline and check its VoIP compatibility. Doing this now prevents costly surprises when the switch-off hits.
Act now
Don’t wait to explore VoIP options. The closer we get to 2027, the crazier the demand for VoIP services will be—2026 could see shortages and delays.
Research providers offering reliable plans and number porting to keep your existing lines. Start comparing features and costs today to lock in a system that fits your budget and avoids last-minute chaos.
Boost Resilence
VoIP relies on power and good broadband, so power cuts or outages could silence your phones. Invest in battery backups or hybrid phones that switch to mobile networks during disruptions. It’s also a good idea to invest in the best possible broadband your budget can stretch to.
These safeguards keep you connected, especially if you’re in a rural area prone to shaky infrastructure. Plan for the worst now, so your customers can always reach you.
Contact Sipalto About Preparing for the BT Landline Switchover 2027
The sooner you mitigate potential landline telephone switch-off impacts, the sooner you can move on and simply let the process happen – without worrying about operational and financial consequences. Contact the Sipalto team today to start getting ready today!
