ISDN Switch Off 2025

At the end of December 2025, ISDN switch-off will become a reality. Openreach will turn off ISDN and dial-tone on analogue lines in the UK. The BT ISDN switch-off announcement was made in 2015. At that time it was made clear that there would be no new orders for ISDN lines after 2020. The ISDN network will be deactivated completely by the end of 2025. Any copper lines used for voice services will be switched off including ISDN, PSTN, and multi-line. Copper lines will remain for data services like ‘Fibre to the Cabinet’ [FTTC] and ‘Single order Generic Ethernet Access’ [SoGEA] where the copper line runs from the street cabinet into homes and business premises.

What is the ISDN Switch Off?

The telecoms network in the UK has relied on copper cabling since its inception in 1876. It has been costly to maintain and is no longer fit for the digital age, never mind technologies coming on stream in the future. The network is being replaced with fibre optics and other TCP/IP packet-switching technologies fit for today’s digital world. The ISDN switch-off will reach its final stage at the end of December 2025, when phone calls will be transmitted using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

Why should I be aware of the ISDN Switch Off?

If your business uses voice or data services through analogue or ISDN cables, you will need to migrate your telecoms to VoIP before the switch off. If you don’t, your lines will be switched off at the end of 2025 and your business will be left scrambling for a telecoms service. You are unlikely to be alone so you could be joining a queue of businesses that weren’t well prepared. The impact on your business of not having any telecoms provision could cost you time, money, and valuable lost sales.

2023: the next phase in the ISDN switch off

Openreach has announced a “Stop Sell” from September 2023 so from that month you will no longer be able to buy analogue lines or ISDN services.

2025: the ISDN switch off

OK so we’re repeating this a bit but it’s crucial information in the Openreach ISDN switch off. This could impact your business severely because you will lose your telecoms. And that means broadband as well as phone lines, so your business could simply go dark as far as your customers are concerned. It’s so important to organise early and avoid the inevitable queues.

Here’s what to do before the ISDN switch off

If your business (or home) uses analogue or ISDN lines you must upgrade your service before the end of December 2025. Modern telephone services no longer need to use dedicated lines. Services will be provided using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) on Broadband to deliver data and calls. There are benefits to switching to VoIP for your business irrespective of the fact that you will have to move away from ISDN. We’ve outlined some of the benefits here 

Can my ISDN service be replaced like for like by VoIP?

The question isn’t can your service be replaced or replicated. Modern technologies provide low-cost, high-feature services that support and enhance your business services. The question really is; what additional features are available that I can buy in when I move away from ISDN? And at what cost? You will need high-speed broadband to run your VoIP telecoms, and the right technology and installation to run your phone system and internet access. Costs are generally lower to run VoIP phone systems – But beware – The cost of VoIP is very different from the cost of ISDN from your supplier, so be sure that you’re paying a fair price. Read this article 

When is the best time to get started?

As soon as possible. Why wait? You should be able to reduce the cost of your telecoms and broadband in your business and take advantage of features that either cost extra, or aren’t available through ISDN lines. And with so much working from home and hybrid working now ongoing, that technology could help your business in ways that you haven’t considered. Our advice is to not wait until 2025, and certainly not the latter half. With millions of businesses and households in the UK using analogue & ISDN lines, the final year before switch-off is likely to be busy for providers with no guarantees that you can organise your service before the end of 2025.

How can Foxhall Solutions help?

We can take a look at your current telecoms solution, business processes, and premises and recommend a service that will not only replace ISDN, but will support your business and fit with your working patterns. We have the skills, experience, and partners to transfer your numbers, supply, and set up the hardware – all in a cost-effective, flexible package that can scale as your business grows. VoIP works for your business beyond the confines of your office walls so your WFH team can access your telecoms and IT in a fully integrated, secure way. No matter the size or scope of your business, we have the flexible, feature-rich, cost-effective solution that you are looking for.

How do you contact us?

That’s simple. Drop us an email or call us on 01787 228 042 to arrange a consultation.