Modern Slavery Statement
The countdown is on. The UK’s traditional copper phone lines are currently scheduled to be permanently deactivated by the end of January 2027. It’s essential for organisations to act now to avoid disruption, keep workplaces connected and ensure business resilience.
This nationwide shift, often called the ‘PSTN Switch Off’, means that copper lines will no longer support phone calls, broadband services or any connected systems that rely on analogue infrastructure.
The switch off impacts more than just your desk phone. Any legacy hardware that plugs in to a traditional telephone plug socket is at risk of failing. This includes:
- Door entry systems
- Fire, intruder and other alarms
- Payment terminals
- Crucial monitoring and communication systems
In 2025, 60% of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) organisations in the UK had no migration plan in place. Without a clear plan in place, organisations risk disruption to essential operations and customer communications.
How to tell if you’re currently affected
The easiest way to identify if your organisation is reliant on the copper network is to check the connection point of your existing devices. If your device plugs into a standard, rectangular telephone wall socket, it is running on the copper network and will likely stop working after the deadline. These devices will either need to be replaced with IP-compatible versions or connected via an analogue telephone adapter.
Newer, digital systems typically plug into an ethernet port or connect directly to your Wi-Fi router and will continue to work after the deadline.
Why is this happening?
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is the telecommunications network that the UK has been utilising since the Victorian era. However, this aging infrastructure is becoming increasingly prone to faults and difficult to maintain. Suppliers are no longer manufacturing parts and repairs now rely on recycling parts from decommissioned sections of the network.
With backing from Ofcom and the UK Government, the transition to a fully digital, fibre-based network will allow for a more reliable system with clearer, higher quality phone calls and better integration with modern digital tools.
Future-Proof Your Communications with Banner
To maintain business continuity, organisations must transition to fully digital, internet-based alternatives. Our technology specialists provide tailored advice and solutions needed for a seamless migration.
How we can support your transition:
- Comprehensive Audits: We audit your current equipment and create a detailed action plan to mitigate any risk for your organisation. For those in the education sector, the Department for Education has published guidance for schools and colleges to audit their technology, and we are fully equipped to manage this process for you.
- Tailored Digital Solutions: Our experts provide dependable internet-based alternatives, such as VoIP systems and cloud communications.
- Compatible Hardware: With a wide range of compatible devices and peripherals available, we ensure that your workplace technology and systems are suitable for your needs.
- Training and Optimisation: We also provide ongoing support to ensure your teams are fully trained and your organisation is optimising its new investment.
From the compatible products and associated peripherals to the broadband they run on, we will supply everything you need.
We deliver a full range of leading products designed to minimise disruption and future-proof your operations, including:
- VoIP phones
- IP routers
- Headsets
- Video conferencing tools
Don’t Wait for the Deadline
According to Ofcom’s Connected Nations Report, the volume of customer migrations will increase over the coming months, with more complex customers taking up a larger proportion of these. This means that as the deadline nears, demand for technical support and hardware will peak.
With the January 2027 deadline approaching, early preparation is essential. Auditing your existing systems now allows time to plan, budget and implement workplace upgrades without unnecessary pressure or disruption.
From initial assessment through to implementation and ongoing support, Banner supports your organisation at every stage of your transition, ensuring your communications infrastructure is ready for the future.
FAQs
What is the copper cut off?
The copper cut off refers to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) being switched off in the UK at the end of January 2027. This means that all traditional landlines, and other services that rely on them, will not work after the deadline.
Organisations will be required to swap to internet-based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems or cloud telephony to continue to make phone calls. They will likely need to upgrade and replace existing systems and equipment.
Other than phone calls, what will it affect?
The PSTN switch off will affect any organisation still using copper‑based phone lines or equipment that relies on them.
This means that anything that relies on legacy systems to work including analogue phones, fire and other types of alarms, door entry systems, payment terminals, lifts and elevators, intercom systems and broadband services could all stop working after the deadline.
Why is the switch happening?
Telecommunication networks such as the PSTN have now reached the end of their serviceable life. The PSTN is failing due to a lack of parts and environmental factors. Suppliers are no longer manufacturing spare parts and repairs now rely on recycling parts from decommissioned sections of the network.
The transition is backed by Ofcom and the UK Government, with new digital phone lines allowing for clearer and higher quality phone calls.
What is VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It’s a technology that allows you to make phone calls using an internet connection rather than traditional phone lines.
VoIP is used in cloud-based systems as a full and comprehensive platform. As the platform is hosted online, it makes it a highly scalable and flexible solution for businesses.
How do I know if this will affect me and my organisation?
Every UK organisation will be affected by the PSTN switch off to some degree. You will have to conduct an audit of your current network and its devices to determine how, and to what extent, it will affect you.
Banner can audit your equipment and provide a clear plan for migration, helping you identify and replace all affected equipment before the deadline.
Why should I switch now?
As we head through 2026, demand for engineers and hardware is peaking. Waiting until the final months risks long lead times and potential service gaps. By starting the process now, companies can carefully audit their existing systems, choose the best-fit IP-based solution and ensure a seamless migration.