Openreach has warned businesses that they have just six months to move away from the UK’s old phone network.
This comes as around 350,000 business premises still needing to migrate before the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is retired on 31 January 2027.
The warning comes as Openreach has launched its Big Switch Off campaign, aimed at encouraging Communications Providers (CPs) and businesses that have yet to move to other alternatives before the deadline.
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According to the company, Openreach has estimated around 1.5 million lines are still operating on copper-based network, including services used by businesses for payment terminals, lift alarms and security systems amongst operational technologies.
Once the PSTN is switched off, these services could stop working unless they have been upgraded or replaced with digital alternatives.
Additonally, Openreach said businesses that delay migration risk disruption, operational challenges and avoidable costs.
Openreach Director of All-IP, James Lilley, said: “The PSTN switch-off is now just six months away and there is no extension to the deadline. While millions of customers and many providers and businesses have already made great progress, too many organisations remain exposed to unnecessary risk by delaying their migration plans.
“Inaction is no longer about uncertainty but preparedness, and those who wait risk leaving customers exposed to avoidable service disruption. The consequences go beyond technical issues – they can lead to lost revenue, operational difficulties and a poorer experience for customers.”
He added: “The message is simple: act now. Businesses should speak to their service provider today, understand which services could be affected, and make sure they have a clear migration plan in place well before January 2027.”
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