The UK PSTN Switch-Off

The UK’s upcoming Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch-off is set to have a significant impact on businesses that rely on traditional analogue phone systems and represents a pivotal moment for businesses to modernise their communication systems.

As of 2025, BT will begin phasing out the PSTN and ISDN networks, with most customers expected to have made the switch by the end of January 2027 at latest. For businesses still using these legacy systems, the switch-off presents an opportunity to make the move to more modern and efficient telephony solutions, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

Advantages of Adopting VoIP

Adopting VoIP offers numerous advantages over analogue phone systems, from cost savings and scalability to advanced features and improved reliability. Apprico specialise in helping businesses transition from outdated PSTN systems to VoIP solutions that maximise efficiency, reduce costs, and future-proof your operations. Here’s why adopting VoIP telephony now can provide long-term benefits, and ensure your business remains connected, competitive, and future proof.

Cost Savings

One of the primary reasons businesses are making the switch from traditional phone systems to VoIP is cost efficiency. With analogue phone systems, businesses pay for separate phone lines, as well as additional charges for long-distance calls. VoIP, on the other hand, uses the internet to transmit voice data, meaning calls – even international ones – are typically much cheaper, and often with no additional charges.

Switching to VoIP eliminates the need for physical phone lines, reducing line rental fees and maintenance costs associated with traditional systems. For businesses with multiple branches or remote teams, VoIP offers significant savings on call costs, as calls between VoIP users are typically either low cost or even free, regardless of location.

Scalability and Flexibility

VoIP systems are highly scalable, making them perfect for businesses of all sizes. As your business grows, you can easily add new lines or features without the need for costly hardware upgrades or the installation of additional phone lines. Unlike traditional systems, which may require significant infrastructure to expand, VoIP is software-based and can grow with your business.

Whether you have a small team or a large enterprise with multiple locations, VoIP offers the flexibility to add or remove extensions, configure call routing, and introduce new features like video conferencing and call forwarding without hassle. This scalability ensures that your telephony system evolves alongside your business needs, helping you maintain efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs.

Improved Communication Features

VoIP telephony offers a range of advanced features that are not available with traditional analogue systems. Features like voicemail to email, call forwarding, automatic call distribution, and integration with CRM systems can significantly enhance your communication processes.

VoIP also supports advanced tools like video conferencing and screen sharing, making remote work and collaboration more efficient. With the rise of hybrid and remote working models, having a system that allows employees to seamlessly work from anywhere is crucial. VoIP enables users to make and receive calls from their desk phones, laptops, smartphones, or even tablets, ensuring that your business can stay connected regardless of location.

Reliability and Uptime

While traditional phone systems rely on physical infrastructure, VoIP takes advantage of the internet, which is an exceptionally reliable resource. VoIP systems are typically hosted in the cloud, meaning that your service is maintained by professionals who ensure uptime and performance.

Apprico offer robust disaster recovery and business continuity services, including automatic failover to mobile or secondary lines in the event of a service interruption. This ensures that your business can continue functioning even during unforeseen circumstances, unlike analogue systems that may be disrupted by outages or line faults.

Future-Proofing Your Business

The PSTN switch-off is a clear signal that traditional telephone systems are being phased out in favour of more modern solutions. By adopting VoIP now, you are future proofing your business communications and staying ahead of the curve. VoIP is not only a more efficient way to communicate, but it also enables you to integrate with other digital tools that can streamline your business operations.

The flexibility and scalability of VoIP ensure that your telephony system will remain adaptable to future changes in technology and business requirements. Whether it is AI-powered customer service tools, integrations with business apps, or enhanced security features, VoIP is the platform that can support your evolving communication needs.