Is the UK really ready for the Big Switch Off?

Originally planned for 2025, the UK’s Big Switch Off was delayed until 31st January 2027, which begs the question, is the UK really ready for it?

It’s a big project, with bigger potential consequences, so how should businesses prepare for it, and why is it happening in the first place?

What is the Big Switch Off?

The Big Switch Off refers to the planned shutdown of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) in favour of a wholly digital network.

This will have a huge impact on both businesses and consumers, as well as industries such as healthcare and security. All telephones, alarms, CCTV, payment terminals and other devices which rely on the old copper network will need to be upgraded to a fibre alternative as part of this transition. A reliable broadband connection is therefore essential.

It simply would not be financially feasible for BT to maintain both networks, particularly when the old one requires so much more maintenance and is used by far fewer people. Doing so would result in massive price hikes for all customers.

The Switch Off was meant to take place in December 2025 but has now been pushed back to January 2027. This is to ensure that every consumer and business has access to fibre services as an alternative to the old copper network broadband service.

However, recent statistics from Autumn 2025 estimate that 1 in 5 UK business premises still don’t have access to full fibre business broadband and so risk connectivity issues unless they can find a solution over the next 12 months.

Many vulnerable people and rural businesses still rely on the copper network for their internet access, telephone, and personal alarms. The lingering effects of COVID significantly delayed the rollout, particularly to more isolated communities.

Where are the biggest gaps in UK connectivity?

In many rural and remote locations, fibre broadband is still in short supply. In particular, parts of Scotland and Wales still report access rates at no more than 50%. For large organisations with multiple sites or complex estates, this is a significant challenge. Without a swift solution these businesses risk losing connectivity and communications channels that are critical to daily business activities.

What can your business do to get ready for the Big Switch Off?

The most important thing any business can do to prepare for the Big Switch Off is to gain access to a new fibre connection as soon as it is available in your area – delivered by Openreach. However, there are other solutions that can help provide good quality connectivity in the interim, such as SoGEA broadband.

Get in touch with the team here at Everflow today to assess your current systems, making a note of what type of connection you are running, its speed, and which devices on your premises rely on it. It is likely that some older devices, such as lifts alarms, door alarms, and fax machines are connected to the PSTN, meaning they will need to be upgraded.

We’re working with organisations like yours around the UK to decide on the best fibre replacement for your business needs, considering your desired speed of connection and your budget. From there, we can help you form a migration plan. A step-by-step transition will be easier on your business and your budget and give you and your staff time to adjust to the new network and technologies.

It may be that your staff will need to be trained in how to use the new network, so take that into account when planning the transition.

Lastly, don’t delay. Openreach may have given themselves extra time to prepare, but that doesn’t mean you should. If you have not prepared well in advance of 31st January 2027, it could have a severe impact on your ability to do business.