What happens to my business phone line when the PSTN is switched off?

A service that still depends on the retired PSTN will no longer provide normal connectivity. Move the number and calling service to an All-IP replacement before 31 January 2027 and separately check every device attached to the old line.

Can I keep my existing business phone number?

Yes. Broadgate Voice offers free number porting to its VoIP and cloud phone services. Keep the existing service active until the port is confirmed, and make sure the account and address details are accurate.

How long does it take to switch to Broadgate Voice?

The typical switch-over time is 24–48 hours once the necessary information and arrangements are ready. A number port can take longer if provider records do not match or a complex number range is involved.

What internet connection do I need for VoIP?

You need a stable business internet connection with enough capacity for simultaneous calls and suitable network configuration. The exact requirement depends on call volume, other internet use and the resilience the business needs.

Is there a contract and setup fee?

Broadgate Voice packages have a 60-month minimum term. Any setup charge depends on whether an engineering visit is required, so it is confirmed for the individual installation rather than published as a fixed figure.

PSTN Switch-Off Guide for UK Business

The UK is retiring the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and moving voice services to internet-based connections. This guide is for organisations of any size that use analogue or ISDN lines for calls or connected equipment and need to plan a controlled move to VoIP, SIP or Microsoft Teams calling.

What the switch-off means

The PSTN is the analogue network behind traditional telephone lines, and ISDN services belong to the same generation being retired. Businesses need to replace affected telephone services with an internet-based alternative and check every other device that relies on an old line.

Six steps to prepare

Audit every line. Match telephone numbers and bills to devices, departments and sites.
Find connected equipment. Include alarms, lifts, payment terminals, fax, door entry and building controls.
Ask each equipment supplier. Get advice on an approved replacement and its power requirements.
Check connectivity. Review broadband, the local network, mobile coverage and how resilient your calling needs to be.
Choose the replacement. Compare cloud calling, SIP trunks and Teams calling against your users and equipment.
Plan and test. Arrange number porting, set up call handling, and test calls, failover and every specialist device.

For a corporate or multi-site estate, appoint an internal owner and keep a site-by-site register of lines, numbers, devices, suppliers, contract dates and dependencies. Broadgate Voice can provide project management, site surveys, phased roll-out, testing, training and account management around the agreed migration order.

Equipment to check, not just phones

An analogue line may also serve:

Intruder or fire-alarm signalling.
Lift emergency phones.
Card-payment terminals.
Fax or franking machines.
Door-entry and intercom systems.
Telecare equipment.
Building controls, modems, gates or help points.

Ask each supplier or maintainer whether the device supports an approved IP or mobile replacement. A device that can dial a number will not necessarily work on an internet-based voice service.

Keeping your business number

Number porting is free for eligible business numbers. Keep your current service active until the port is complete, and check that the account name, installation address and number range match your current provider’s records.

A typical Broadgate Voice switch-over takes 24–48 hours once the required information and arrangements are in place. A port can take longer if records don’t match or a complex number range is involved.

Choosing a replacement service

Cloud phone system

Staff make and receive business calls on supported desk phones, computers, mobiles or a browser. Suits teams working across offices, homes and other locations.

SIP trunks

Connect a compatible on-site telephone system to an internet-based service. Suits businesses that want to keep supported equipment while replacing an ISDN or analogue connection.

Microsoft Teams calling

Adds external business calling to Teams. Suits organisations whose staff already use Teams for chat, meetings and collaboration.

Prices and contract term

GoYap Mobile: £9.99 per user per month ex VAT.
GoYap Desktop: £14.99 per user per month ex VAT.
GoYap Combined (Mobile + Desktop): £19.99 per user per month ex VAT.

GoYap is the platform behind Broadgate Voice cloud and VoIP packages. All packages have a 60-month minimum term, and any setup charge depends on whether an engineering visit is needed. SIP trunk and Teams calling prices are quoted to your requirements.

Why Broadgate Voice

Broadgate Voice has supplied business telephony since 2016 and supports over 2,000 UK business customers. We provide cloud phone systems, VoIP, SIP trunks and Microsoft Teams calling, and we have a strategic partnership with BT Wholesale.

Plan your move from the PSTN

Have a recent telephone bill, a list of your numbers and details of any connected equipment to hand. Call 020 3078 9900, Monday to Friday, 08:30–18:00 UK time, or Get a quote.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if we stay on an old PSTN service?

Services that depend on the retired network will stop working normally. Check the timing for your lines against the latest guidance from your current provider.

Can we keep our existing business number?

Yes. Number porting is free for eligible numbers. Don’t cancel your existing service until the port is confirmed.

Will an alarm or lift phone work on VoIP?

Don’t assume it will. Ask the manufacturer or maintainer to confirm an approved IP or mobile replacement, including its backup-power requirements.

Is there a contract?

Yes. GoYap packages have a 60-month minimum term. Any setup charge depends on whether an engineering visit is needed.