Are you prepared for the ISDN Switch-Off?

The “Great ISDN Switch Off” is coming – Is your business prepared?

Despite years of advance notice, many UK businesses are still unprepared. If you’re among them, it’s time to act now.

In 2015, BT announced its intention to phase out the UK’s analogue Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) by the end of 2025, a move commonly referred to as the ‘Big Switch Off.’

While the change is necessary to modernise communications infrastructure, many organisations don’t realise that traditional phone lines support more than just voice calls. Devices like alarms, CCTV, EPOS systems, fax machines, and even broadband connections may still depend on analogue lines. If left unchecked, these services will stop working after the cut-off.

The ISDN Switch-Off State of Play

Recent industry research shows that around 70% of businesses are still using PSTN/ISDN-based services in some form.

Even more concerning, only 20% of these businesses are fully aware of the ISDN switch-off’s impact, with many assuming they still have time to react.

With the final cut-off fast approaching, those who don’t take steps now risk severe business disruption.

ISDN Switch-Off Key Dates

• September 2023: BT stopped selling new PSTN/ISDN lines.
• December 2025: Full national switch-off of the PSTN/ISDN network.
• January 2027: Final shutdown of the analogue network (extended date).

Impact on Unprepared Businesses

If you’re still relying on copper-line technology for voice, alarms, payment terminals or even entry systems, here’s what you could face after the ISDN Switch-Off:

• Total service disruption once ISDN is switched off.
• Loss of business continuity from non-functional voice or security systems.
• Increased costs and delays as businesses rush to migrate under pressure.
• Damage to brand reputation due to poor customer service experiences during outages.

The switch-off isn’t just a technical change, it’s a business continuity risk. But it’s also an opportunity to embrace modern communications that boost agility and efficiency.

Rather than simply replacing your outdated phone lines, now is the perfect time to reassess how your business communicates. In today’s hybrid and mobile-first environment, businesses need secure, flexible, and unified communication tools that enable teams to work from anywhere.

Krome Connect: Unified Comms Built for Modern Business

Businesses today need more than just voice. You need a Unified Communications platform that integrates seamlessly into your existing workflows, enables hybrid working, and enhances productivity.

That’s where Krome Connect comes in.

Krome Connect combines cloud-based voice, video calling, instant messaging, and mobile device integration through Microsoft Teams. It empowers your workforce to stay connected and productive from anywhere.

Krome Connect Voice + Teams Phone

• Seamless calling directly through Teams.
• 999% uptime backed by Microsoft SLAs.
• Lower operational costs with per-user pricing.
• Secure, encrypted communication.
• Scalable for growing teams.
• Device-to-device call transfers and call routing flexibility.
• Simplified call management via an intuitive admin console.

Krome Connect Connectivity

• High-performance leased line options with speeds up to 10Gb/s.
• Fully managed, business-only broadband with 99.9% availability SLAs.
• Resilient options including diverse routing and multiple carrier failover.
• Backed by eight major UK networks including BT Wholesale, Virgin Media, and CityFibre.
• Transparent pricing with expert consultation tailored to your business needs.

Krome Connect Mobile

• Mobile-as-a-Service (MaaS) with preconfigured handsets delivered to your door.
• Integration with Teams for consistent communication across devices.
• Flexible packages with SIM-only or bundled devices.
• Unlimited calls and shared data plans.
• Managed device estate with fast replacements for lost or damaged hardware.
• Single monthly fee that combines hardware, support and connectivity.

Krome’s Comprehensive Migration Support

Migrating from ISDN doesn’t have to be complex or disruptive. Krome provides a full end-to-end service:

• Discovery & Audit: We start by identifying all systems that currently rely on ISDN, including voice, alarms, door entry systems, and EPOS devices.
• Strategic Planning: Our consultants work with you to plan a transition strategy that ensures continuity and aligns with your business goals. Whether it’s VoIP migration, SIP trunking, or full Unified Comms, we design a solution that fits.
• Implementation & Testing: We manage every element of implementation, hardware provisioning, software integration, porting numbers, and training your staff. All systems are tested before go-live.
• Training & Support: We provide comprehensive training and onboarding materials, plus ongoing support from our UK-based helpdesk. Our proactive monitoring ensures issues are identified and resolved before they impact your business.

What Else Should You Consider?

Before migrating, you should also evaluate the following:

• Bandwidth Capacity: VoIP and digital services require a reliable and high-speed internet connection. Krome’s leased lines ensure your connection is always optimised.
• System Compatibility: Many businesses rely on ISDN for non-telephony services like alarm systems, door entry systems, EPOS (point-of-sale) machines, and fax machines. You’ll need to verify whether these systems can function with digital alternatives or need replacing.
• Cybersecurity: VoIP and cloud-based telephony increase the risk of cyber threats. Our solutions are encrypted and fully compliant. We can also help you to implement strong firewall protections, encryption, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure communication channels.
• Regulatory Requirements: Some industries have strict data security and call recording regulations, our systems help meet industry standards including GDPR, HIPAA, and FCA guidelines.
• Business Continuity: Krome ensures that no matter the crisis, floods, strikes or technical outages, you remain operational.

The ISDN switch-off is rapidly approaching. Don’t leave your business vulnerable. With Krome Connect, you get more than a replacement for your old phone lines, you get a modern, scalable, and secure communications solution designed for the way businesses work today.

Ready to move forward? Contact us now to book your free consultation with a Krome Unified Communications specialist.