What is the PSTN switch-off and why you should switch to Teams

The UK’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is scheduled to be switched off next year – what does this mean for businesses?

From January 2027, traditional landline telephone connections will be replaced by Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services as the UK’s telephone network goes digital.

As a result, the analogue copper cable telephone network that’s been in use for almost 150 years will be replaced by an entirely digital service that uses an internet connection to transmit your calls.

With traditional PSTN landlines now on their last legs, it’s the perfect opportunity to get ahead of the game and make the switch now, to save yourself from any potential headaches next year.

In this blog, we explain why making the switch early is a smart business move, and why Microsoft Teams is our business communication platform of choice.

Why make the switch before the PSTN?

Right now, 2027 might seem far off, but trust us, time flies when you’re running a business! Over 90% of UK businesses already use Teams in their day-to-day operations. Here’s why you should make the switch:

Future-proof your communication

With PSTN landlines becoming obsolete, relying on outdated infrastructure poses significant risks to businesses. By migrating to Teams well before the deadline, businesses future-proof their communication infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and productivity.

Ensure a seamless transition

By migrating to Teams early, businesses can ensure a seamless transition without the last-minute rush and any potential disruptions to operations that could come with it.

Familiarise yourself with advanced features

Teams offers a plethora of advanced features beyond voice and video calls, including chat, collaboration tools, integrations with third-party applications, and AI-powered functionalities. Click here for more information on the full capabilities of Teams.

Why Microsoft Teams?

Here’s why we recommend Teams as your new go-to communication and collaboration platform:

High quality audio and video calls

No more fuzzy calls or pixelated video conferences. Teams boasts top-notch audio and video quality, ensuring your conversations are crystal clear, with features like noise suppression and background blur ensuring you can always maintain a professional environment.

Everything in one place

Teams goes beyond audio and video calls, integrating with Office 365 apps for real-time collaborative file sharing and editing, making teamwork a breeze.

Work on your own terms

Whether you’re on a coffee run or working from your favourite spot in the park, Teams’ mobile app lets you work at your own convenience. Need to hop on a quick voice call or join a video conference on the go? No problem.

Security you can trust

Teams stays up to date with the latest security features to keep your sensitive data under lock and key. From end-to-end encryption to multi-factor authentication, Teams goes the extra mile to keep your information secure.

As the clock ticks down towards the end of PSTN, the time is now to make the switch! By switching to Teams as early as possible, businesses can not only ensure uninterrupted communication but also unlock a plethora of advanced features to boost their collaboration and productivity.

Want to get your organisation started with Teams? Axon IT can help you implement and optimise Microsoft Teams, ensuring your team is equipped with the essential tools they need. Contact us for an initial chat.

How to get started with the transition

The first step for any UK business is to audit existing hardware and contracts. Many organisations still rely on legacy alarm systems, lift phones, and door entry sensors that operate over the copper network. You must identify these dependencies early to avoid service disruption when the switch-off occurs. Once you have a clear picture of your current environment, you can begin mapping out how Microsoft Teams Phone will replace your traditional handsets and PBX systems.

Common pitfalls to avoid

A frequent mistake is viewing the PSTN switch-off as a simple hardware replacement. It is actually a fundamental shift in how your team communicates. Avoid leaving the migration to the final few months, as telecommunications providers are already facing a surge in demand, which may lead to longer lead times for porting numbers. Additionally, ensure your office internet connectivity has sufficient bandwidth and prioritisation for voice traffic to prevent call quality issues during peak hours.

What good looks like in year one

Success in the first twelve months means more than just having a working dial tone. You should see a significant reduction in hardware maintenance costs and a more flexible workforce that can take calls from any location using a single professional identity. A successful rollout is defined by high user adoption and the integration of voice into your wider digital workflows. You will know the project has delivered value when your teams no longer feel tethered to a physical desk to manage client calls.

The role of a managed intelligence partner

Working with a managed intelligence partner helps you move beyond basic connectivity. We help configure advanced call routing and automated attendants that improve the customer experience from day one. By choosing an expert partner, you gain access to ongoing monitoring and security optimisations that keep your communications resilient. This proactive approach ensures your infrastructure evolves alongside your business, turning a mandatory technical change into a strategic advantage.

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