What is the Switch Off?
The UK telecoms industry is undergoing a major transformation with the nationwide switch off of old PSTN lines, first announced by BT Openreach in November 2017. PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) is an analogue line that also provides ADSL and FTTC services. This means all traditional telephone networks will be completely switched off by Openreach and replaced with a fully digital network. While the original deadline was set for 31st December 2025, it has now been extended to 2027 to ensure a smooth transition for all customers, particularly those relying on telecare services. A ‘stop sell’ policy came into place in September 2023, meaning that no new PSTN services can be provisioned. All customers will be required to find an alternative service by 2027, or their service will no longer work.
Why is it happening?
PSTN lines, some of which date back to the 19th century, are increasingly difficult to maintain and repair. With the rapid advancement of technology, these ageing copper lines can no longer keep up with modern demands. The transition to an all-digital network will introduce countless new opportunities, making communication faster, more reliable and better suited for a fast-paced future.
The Eclipse Wholesale Switch Off Project
At Eclipse Wholesale, we are proactively working towards the 2025 deadline to transition all our partners to an alternative service, excluding those with telecare services. The reliability and support issues associated with PSTN lines make it key to transition to modern alternatives, with the number of faults on PSTN services increasing by 20% in 2023, causing a 60% increase in hours lost for customers on the analogue network. Many businesses have already adopted newer communications and connectivity solutions such as VoIP, SoGEA and FTTP. However, it is essential to recognise these solutions are not a one-sizefits-all replacement. Thousands of PSTN lines currently in use may not be suitable for a SoGEA or FTTP transition due to cost, compatibility or logistical challenges. These can include essential services such as lift lines, taxi call points, traffic management systems or alarm monitoring. In such cases, alternative solutions like IoT (Internet of Things) must be considered to ensure continuity and reliability.
Eclipse Wholesale began the process of migrating all legacy analogue services to alternative solutions in the summer of last year and plans to have this completed by September 2025.
Our Managing Director, James Drake, says “The switch off is a pivotal moment in the telecoms industry and we’re committed to helping partners make a smooth and successful transition. Although the deadline has been extended, Eclipse Wholesale is prepared and ready to assist partners through our 2025 project, allowing them to feel the benefits of an all-digital future sooner.”
Steps you should take:
Identify the assets in your estate that will be affected by the Switch Off.
Make a list of all the devices currently plugged into the master socket and any extensions.
Check each asset for calls, broadband markers or block terminals.
Work with your provider on the migration paths available for each asset.
Investigate if any alternative networks are available at the asset address.
Use bulk migration tools if the size of your WLR (Wholesale Line Rental) estate is sizeable.
Eclipse Wholesale is fully prepared to guide our partners through this transition. Don’t wait until the last minute, start preparing for the Switch Off today.