GHM Communications > The Big Analogue Switch Off – Everything You Need To Know

The Big Switch-Off Guide

In 2017, Openreach announced the UK would transition to a fully digital communications network. 

That migration is now more than half complete and could have a profound implication for businesses.

Openreach has already stopped selling many well-known communications services at hundreds of exchanges across the UK.

Read more below and watch this video from our partners Gamma to understand how your business will be affected.

Digital services built on SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) will replace older PSTN networks (Public Switched Telephone Networks), providing more capacity, higher speeds and a wide range of flexible features and benefits to customers.

Create New Opportunities Faster

The next phase of the stop sell is the complete withdrawal of these services, due to happen in 2025. Businesses with full fibre (FTTP), Ethernet, or SOGEA connectivity can relax as the connectivity is already switched off, and you’re ready for calls to move to a Cloud solution.

As of 5 September 2023, businesses can no longer place new orders for the affected Openreach products and services. For example, if full fibre (FTTP) is available at your premises, this is the only broadband product available. If full fibre isn’t available, businesses can purchase SOGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access) broadband instead. In rare situations where neither full fibre nor SOGEA broadband is available, we can still accept orders for ADSL (Copper). However, ADSL will no longer be available to purchase from 29 March 2024.

FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) and G.Fast broadband products are no longer available. Also not available are ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) telephone services. WLR (line rental) is no longer available, except for premises where ADSL is currently the only available connectivity option.

Avoid Cost Increases

The closer we get to December 2025, the higher demand for migration services will be.

Expect to see supplier lead times increasing exponentially – along with prices. Starting the process early means avoiding supply constraints and waiting lists – and the cost increases they bring.

Businesses who leave migration late may find that waiting lists extend beyond the Big Switch off date, leaving them without phones – and customers.

The process may be more complicated

When discussing the Big Switch Off, the focus is typically on the telephone systems.

Any PSTN-connected device will be affected by the digital transition, which is easy to overlook.

Make sure you audit assets such as CCTV, alarms, fax machines, EPOS terminals, dial-up connections, and point-to-point leased lines connected to a phone line are also at risk.

The earlier you begin your VoIP transition planning, the more time you have available to deal with the unexpected.  We can run a simple audit for your business and let you know all the options that are available to you.

Call us on 01865 367111 or email [email protected].

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