Looking to get started on your PSTN Switch Off? Book a free 15-minute introductory call with our Norwich team and call 01603 55 99 55.
After more than a century of use, the UK's traditional phone network is being switched off permanently in January 2027. The worrying part is, Openreach’s figures report that around 2.8 million lines are still operating on the old PSTN lines, and half of those connections are serving businesses.
As VoiceHost continues to build out a resilient, high-performance broadband network, we believe that variety and redundancy are essential to great connectivity. That’s why we’re pleased to announce our support for a range of ALT nets (alternative full-fibre networks) — including CityFibre, ITS, Trooli, and Freedom Fibre — which now complement our trusted BT/Openreach solutions.
If you're a business planning a new broadband service or switch, Openreach is updating how installations are handled for services like SOGEA and FTTP. These changes come into effect on 1 June 2025.
The Great British Switch January 2027
A significant transformation is on the horizon, the planned switch-off of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a move that will have profound implications for businesses and consumers alike. As the traditional copper-based infrastructure makes way for newer technologies, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony, it's essential to understand what this transition entails and how embracing VoIP can help you stay ahead in the digital age.
Single Order Generic Ethernet Access (SoGEA) is a new Openreach product which enables providers to order FTTC products without a phone line. Other Single Order Transitional Access Product (SOTAP) products are available for ADSL2+ (SoADSL) and G.Fast (SoGFAST) product variants.
Homes and businesses currently connect to Openreach’s infrastructure using WLR (Wholesale Line Rental) and then add broadband as an additional service on top. Most ISPs will bundle these together as packages by default but you can pick and choose if you please.