The digital switchover is coming sooner than you think, and businesses both large and small need to be prepared for the change.
Similar to when analogue television was switched to digital-only services in October 2012, the same process is happening with telephone lines in the UK.
In a few months’ time, the UK will be saying goodbye to the copper-based public telephone networks that have kept Britain talking for over a hundred years.
The digital switchover marks the end of the analogue era and a step toward the purely digital future. The initiative is industry-led, with suppliers such as BT, Virgin and Sky working alongside the infrastructure management company Openreach to implement the switch.
The idea is to create a more reliable, high-speed digital infrastructure to support businesses and domestic telecoms users. But what does the digital switchover actually entail, and how will it impact your business?
What is the digital switchover?
The UK telecoms industry is planning to retire analogue telephone systems in favour of digital services. The plan was announced in November 2017 and is expected to have all customers switched over, or upgraded by January 2027.
Among the services which will no longer be available are the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which uses circuit switches and physical wires to connect callers.
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) will also be phased out by 2027. ISDN utilises old copper wire networks to transmit digital voice and data, including video, and formed the basis of early business-use internet.
Instead, both landline systems will be replaced with an internet-based telecoms system which uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and connects to the home or business broadband.
Why is analogue telecoms being phased out?
The analogue networks that support PSTN and ISDN systems have been in place for several decades. During that time, they have degraded, requiring more maintenance and repairs, with the added problem that many of the older parts are no longer manufactured.
The copper-based wire networks are vulnerable to damage and weather, which, combined with the maintenance issues, means more downtime for the customers. The telecoms regulator, Ofcom, reported increasing service incidents across the network in 2023.
The answer is to replace the networks with a digital-only system, enabling more uptime, better quality service and better resistance to weather and flooding. The new digital landlines will use VoIP for audio calls while allowing simultaneous high-speed data transfer.
How does Voice over Internet Protocol work?
VoIP is a way of converting analogue audio (your voice) into digital signals that are transmitted via the internet. The data is then converted into sound at the receiver’s end.
The method usually requires an IP-compatible phone, an analogue phone with an adaptor, or a computer connected to the internet with suitable software.
Because VoIP uses the internet rather than a traditional landline, there are no additional charges or line rental outside of your usual broadband subscription.
What other devices are impacted by the digital switchover?
A telephone is not the only type of device that might be connected to an old telephone line.
Fax machines
Although seen as archaic technology, fax machines are still used by many businesses and are sometimes essential for dealing with contracts and suppliers based overseas. Some healthcare and legal institutions are also reliant on fax for secure document sharing.
Security and fire systems
Security systems and fire alarms are often hardwired to an analogue line that links directly to emergency services or a security company. Unlike internet-based systems, the older phone lines can draw power from the line and still operate in a power blackout.
This may also include remotely monitored CCTV systems which are connected to dedicated legacy telephone lines. Without these essential services functioning, businesses can be left vulnerable to theft, fire and criminal damage.
Lift intercoms
Emergency call buttons in lifts are often connected via a dedicated line to responders or engineers.
Card terminals
In many smaller businesses, the credit card readers are connected via a telephone line rather than via a broadband modem.
Broadband
Some broadband internet uses older technology to provide service. It is worth checking with your internet service provider what network is in use and switching your supplier if needed.
How might the digital switchover impact UK businesses?
While younger businesses may already be using digital systems, more established businesses that rely on legacy systems and hardware will need to prepare for the change.
Upgrading devices
Before the digital switch comes into force in 2027, it might be time to conduct an audit of equipment connected through the current telephone line. Not all devices will be compatible with the new digital systems.
If a device or service is not compatible, then it may not work as intended and could negatively impact your day-to-day business operations. For example, it is worth checking if your security company can upgrade alarm and safety systems that rely on old networks.
Battery backups
The new digital telecoms systems require electricity to be operational. In the midst of a power outage, the internet and therefore all communications systems will drop out.
To prepare for the switchover, businesses could consider using battery backups to continue business as usual regardless of the reliability of power utilities.
In the case of card machines, a dual system can be used where, if an internet service outage occurs, a SIM card with 5G connectivity can be used to process card payments.
Switching business broadband provider
If your broadband or landline uses old copper phone lines to deliver service, it might be time to consider switching your business internet provider and upgrading to a fibre connection.
A full fibre-to-the-premises installation will provide high-speed, reliable internet so you can focus on growing your business. It can also get you a better deal, and many providers offer additional services such as call routing, added security and cloud-based features.
Among these are VoIP-ready handsets and video conferencing that can take advantage of the faster connection and increased bandwidth of fibre optic cables.
The good news about the digital switchover is that businesses that used to rely on ISDN systems will find they have the ability to scale faster. They will have more flexibility to work remotely and have access to and benefit from new technology.
