The WLR Switch Off Has Been Delayed!

14/06/24 Thomas Dennis
City scape network concept

BT have recently announced that the PSTN switch off has been delayed to 2027 (1). The project was originally scheduled to finish in December of 2025 but due to various reasons this has been delayed. The new deadline for the switch off is 31st January 2027 meaning that businesses, schools, hospitals, libraries, surgeries and many more have more time to transition onto the new IP (Internet Protocol) Network.

BT have extended the deadline for the switch off to ensure that technologies can be upgraded and all improvements to the network can be carried out within the specified timeframe. The extension of time will enable businesses to have a smoother transition onto the new network and minimise the risk of technology not working when the new fibre lines are fitted (2).

What will this effect?

As PSTN and ISDN lines are so commonplace there remains a lot of technology that is currently operating on these soon to be legacy networks. This change will affect almost everyone, and consumers need to be aware of what will no longer work when the new fibre network is implemented. This delay doesn’t change the original focus of transferring the old lines onto the new fibre network, it is merely a delay in the project timeline. Most technology that is currently running on the old networks will need to be replaced by alternatives that are supported on the new network. This means that all businesses using legacy technology will need to transition to supported technology which may result in investing in modernised equipment. This could range from anything between a small handset to fridge freezers in supermarkets.

Examples of technology that will be affected

  • Phonelines – Non digital phones will no longer be compatible
  • Lifts – Emergency alarms and auto-dialers will no longer work
  • Fridges / freezers – No longer be able to receive and transmit signals or alerts
  • Fax machines – No longer be able to send data across the network
  • Alarms and EPOS machines – Alerts and updates will no longer be sent
  • CCTV – Activity caught on CCTV will no longer be transmitted

Why is this happening?

The transfer to an IP network instead of PSTN or ISDN networks will enable organisation's across all industries to access higher network speeds than what was previously available. Furthermore, the legacy technology within the exchanges will no longer have replacement parts available meaning they will have to be updated to the new network. This will enhance existing VoIP & unified communications systems, as well as aid in implementing any new technologies that require higher, more scalable and more stable connections to run effectively. The application of an IP network will eliminate the need for traditional phone lines and manage both phone services and internet access at the same time. This then has an offset effect on businesses reducing costs, increasing connectivity and accessibility allowing access to higher levels of service.

How can you prepare?

There are many businesses and individuals that have still not transferred onto the new IP network. These businesses will need to establish what devices they use that are on the old network and begin the process of transferring them over. To ensure that the transition runs smoothly businesses must ensure that they have thoroughly thought-out what technology they use that is currently on the PSTN network. For those businesses who have not successfully migrated before the deadline, they may find that some aspects of their business will cease to work as they are not supported by the new network.

Contact Wavenet

Contact Wavenet to guide you through the process to ensure that your business continues to run smoothly without issue. As the deadline has been set it is crucial that you contact us about the switch off to ensure you’re not left behind in these exciting times. We hope to speak to you soon and make your business brilliant!

References

  1. BT (2021)  PSTN Switch Off
  2. BT (2023) PSTN Switch Off 2027

 

BT, ISDN, PSTN

Latest blogs

See all posts
windows-11
Understanding Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) - what your business needs to know in 2026

As of 14 October 2025, Microsoft officially ended free security updates for Windows 10. Organisations that continue operating Windows 10 devices today - in 2026 - are now doing so in a post‑support environment, relying either on paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) or accepting increasing cyber risk. Windows updates are the backbone of endpoint security, identifying new vulnerabilities and closing them before attackers exploit them. Since the end of support deadline passed, unpatched vulnerabilities accumulate quickly, creating growing exposure across any estate still running Windows 10. Continuing with Windows 10 in 2026 can lead to: Higher cyber‑attack risk, particularly ransomware Compliance issues (Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001, GDPR, FCA/financial sector requirements) Reduced software compatibility with modern applications and security tools Increased helpdesk overhead due to outdated hardware and OS issues For organisations, this is no longer preparation for a future deadline - it’s about reducing risk now and completing the transition to a modern, supported operating system. Your organisation’s options in 2026 Businesses now have three strategic pathways depending on their hardware, budget cycle, and deployment readiness. 1. Upgrade existing compatible devices to Windows 11 If your current hardware meets Microsoft’s requirements, upgrading remains the fastest and most cost‑effective way to move away from Windows 10 ESU dependency. Benefits include: Ongoing security updates Modern protection (TPM 2.0, enhanced kernel security, improved identity protection) Support for AI‑powered features and future Microsoft roadmaps Lower risk and long‑term stability If your business has Windows 10 machines still capable of upgrading, this should be the first route explored. 2. Refresh your estate with Windows 11‑ready devices Many Windows 10 machines still in use in 2026 are now five to eight years old, and often: Fall below modern security standards Cause productivity bottlenecks Increase support tickets Consume disproportionate IT resources A structured hardware refresh offers: Predictable lifecycle management Improved reliability and performance Standardisation across departments Compatibility with modern security and MDM tooling Wavenet supports staged refresh programmes aligned with fiscal planning, ensuring minimal business disruption. 3. Continue using Windows 10 with Extended Security Updates (ESU) Microsoft’s Windows 10 ESU programme is still available, but it is: Paid per device, per year Increasing in cost each year (designed to encourage migration) Security‑only - no features or performance improvements A temporary safety net, not a long‑term strategy ESU is most appropriate when: Line‑of‑business applications are not yet Windows 11 certified You need additional time for a phased rollout Budget cycles are delaying upgrades or refresh Remote / operational environments require longer transition periods Most organisations still using ESU in 2026 should plan to exit it within the next 12–24 months. Assessing your Windows 11 readiness in 2026 At this stage, businesses need more than a simple device‑level compatibility check. A comprehensive analysis includes: Hardware readiness across the estate Application and vendor compatibility Driver and firmware validation Intune / MDM alignment Security baselines and policy impacts User profile and data considerations Deployment sequencing and pilot planning Wavenet offers full readiness assessments to provide a clear view of which devices can be upgraded, which require replacement, and where ESU may remain temporarily necessary. Why 2026 is a critical year for migration With the end of support now behind us, delaying migration further increases: Security exposure Operational risk Compliance penalties ESU costs End‑user frustration from aging hardware A well‑structured migration programme delivers: A secure, modernised endpoint environment Lower long‑term support cost Improved employee experience Better alignment with Microsoft’s cloud and security roadmap Many organisations are now accelerating migration to remove the remaining Windows 10 footprint entirely. How Wavenet supports your Windows 11 journey Wavenet provides end‑to‑end Windows 11 migration services, including: Estate discovery & readiness assessment Hardware lifecycle planning and procurement Application compatibility testing Managed upgrade or Autopilot deployment Configuration, security baselines, and Intune alignment ESU planning (where absolutely necessary) Phased rollouts with minimal disruption Whether you’re upgrading compatible devices, refreshing your estate, or transitioning off ESU entirely, Wavenet ensures a smooth, secure, and controlled migration.

Read more
Placeholder thumbnail
Everything you need to know about network observability

This article is a useful 101 reference for network observability. What is it? Why does it matter? What are the benefits and outcomes from embracing it?

Read more
pstn
The PSTN switch-off: it's more than just telephones

The PSTN switch-off is a major shift in telecommunications. It's not just about phones. This transition affects many services beyond traditional landlines.

Read more
Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials vs Cyber Essentials Plus

Think of your business’s digital security like a health check-up. You can fill out a detailed questionnaire yourself, confirming you’re following healthy habits. Or, you can have a doctor perform a full physical, running tests to verify everything is working as it should.

Read more
Placeholder thumbnail
Top benefits of Business Continuity Managed (BCM) planning software

What would you do if a burst pipe forced everyone out of your office tomorrow? If a burst pipe or sudden outage forced your entire team out of the building, would you still be able to access your business continuity plan? For many organisations, the answer is no. Their plan lives on a server they can’t reach or sits in a binder inside the evacuated office.

Read more