The ISDN switch off refers to the deactivation and shutdown of ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) technology, it was what our original communication systems were built on but now it's old, and outdated. This switch is part of the industry's effort to future-proof telecommunications, replacing outdated technologies with more advanced alternatives such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

The ISDN switch off is scheduled for December 2025, signalling the end of this legacy technology once and for all. The digital world has evolved far from these original analogue lines, and it's time to make way for evolving communication trends and technologies.

The switch off will impact your business if analogue technology like ISDN and PSTN lines underpin your current communication systems. Once they turn off, if you haven't migrated to modern alternatives like VoIP, your customers won't be able to contact you. But don't fear! Updating your communications is easier than you may think.

To prepare for the ISDN switch off, you need to upgrade your communication infrastructure to a more advanced and future-proof solution, such as VoIP. But no one size fits all, and for a tailored solution you can get in touch with our experts to see what solution works for your business.

Yes, the switch off will impact traditional phone systems relying on ISDN. That's why it's important to switch to VoIP, or other modern technologies, to be able to communicate with your customers. If you don't make the switch ahead of time, you may not be prepared or be able to make the transition ahead of the December 2025 switch off as everyone else tries to catch up as well.

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a cutting-edge technology that offers your business enhanced features and cost-effective communication solutions. By switching to VoIP, you position your business for improved scalability, flexibility, and efficiency in comparison to the outdated ISDN. We're sad to see it go, but we love to watch it leave. 

BT Openreach are no longer offering ISDN and PSTN-based services, and with the stop-sell of September 2023 this marks the end of the analogue technology. Openreach have started withdrawals ahead of the December 2025 switch off, and while you can use the technology in the meantime once the switch off happens in 2025 your non-upgraded systems will shut down. This makes way for the digital age: faster, more reliable, and more flexible. 

Your existing software systems may need to be updated to ensure compatibility with modern communication technologies. If you have analogue-based systems, there are options for re-using these instead of doing a complete digital overhaul. Don't know what solution you need? You can consult with our experts for a tailored solution.

Your customers don't even need to sense you've transitioned your tech, other than that it's better. Make sure you make the switch well ahead of the December 2025 switch off to ensure your communications don't shut down, and that you can keep in touch with your customers without disruption.

The ISDN underpins everything from phone lines, to broadband, alarms and lift emergency call systems. If you don't move these communications to the cloud, making call available over the Internet, then these will not work. That means your alarms won't go off if there is an intrusion; if a lift stops working your people could get stuck, and your customers won't be able to contact you. You won't be able to use ISDN lines after the switch off, as they will be permanently deactivated.