The selling of PSTN services stopped on September 5^th, 2023, and Openreach is now gradually removing the PSTN network, exchange by exchange, across the country.

Whilst the date of old PSTN and ISDN telephone network exchanges being turned off has been pushed out multiple times, it is now planned for January 2027.

Companies can’t be complacent about the change to All-IP telecoms any longer. They must now ensure their business is ready for the most significant change in telecommunications for over 100 years.

Planned PTSN broadband price increases

As the network is retired and the number of users on the platform falls, the costs to maintain the system will skyrocket. To cover these costs and encourage people to switch sooner, and accelerate the progress of the project, line rental price increases are planned for 2026.

These price increases are going to be rapid and steep

• 20% in April 2026
• a further 40% in July 2026
• and another 40% in October 2026

Effectively doubling copper line rental costs by the end of the year.

These rises are designed to avoid a last-minute rush to migrate and balance the demand for engineers.

Business Continuity Risks for Companies Still Using PSTN

These price rises will increase operational costs.

There is a far more challenging business continuity risk for companies that do not realise that their current phone lines are sitting on infrastructure that is being withdrawn; or are insisting on waiting before switching their broadband to a fibre-based service.

The big risk is that they will lose their internet connectivity without notice. This is already happening to some businesses who aren’t being informed of the programme schedule by their suppliers.

Services Affected by the Copper Network Retirement

The turning off of the PTSN network will affect businesses that are still using any of the following services

• Analogue phone lines
• ISDN lines
• ADSL broadband
• FTTC broadband that depends on copper for the last mile
• Any services that operate over PSTN, including alarm lines, lift lines, entry systems, payment terminals, and legacy fax services

Once an exchange reaches withdrawal stage, providers are forced to cease legacy services. When that happens, businesses lose their connection instantly and have no way to restore it.

It can take an average of 10 days to switch internet provider, which could have a catastrophic impact on businesses who would lose access to communication, security, storage and payment systems.

How to Protect Your Business Before the Switch Off

Every company needs to move away from traditional copper-based phone and broadband services. The only decision left is whether to plan the transition or take the risk of not knowing when your local exchange is withdrawn.

Migrating early ensures continuity, stable costs, and full control over the move. It also gives your business time to test new services, move numbers safely, and avoid the engineering delays that will build as the switch off approaches.

Peterborough Telecom provides independent, local guidance to help you understand what you are currently using, what is at risk, and the best route to a modern fibre-based solution. All our customers have been migrated to All-IP solutions already; they are fully prepared and have peace of mind.

A short review now removes the risk of downtime and prevents you from being caught out by the rapid legacy price increases.

For an independent, no obligation review of your telecoms services, contact Peterborough Telecom today.

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