Why you shouldn’t wait to go digital

2027 is a big year for the phone line. It’s when the old copper-based phone network will be switched off. However, changes will begin by 31st December 2025, when Openreach will terminate wholesale line rental contracts with all resellers for PSTN lines. By not modernising, you could face potential loss of broadband and telephony services, not to mention increased costs. 

So, what does this upcoming change mean? Everyone, businesses included, will need to install a digital phone line. While this may feel like a long time away, delaying the inevitable isn’t the answer.

Read on to find out why you shouldn’t wait to make the switch and discover the benefits of getting started today.

Avoid the rush

Many of us have a tendency to procrastinate. However, as we approach 2025, if too many businesses put off upgrading to digital phone lines, there could be a late rush as they all try to upgrade at the same time. This could lead to a service bottleneck, bringing with it delays, disruption, and potentially higher costs.

Upgrade in stages (and stagger your costs)

Moving to internet-based calling is fast and easy, but that doesn’t mean you need to do it all at once. In fact, you could just upgrade particular users or certain premises first, then upgrade incrementally based on importance. This flexibility not only gives you time to properly test out new solutions, but it can also help to minimise disruption and spread out the cost of upgrading to digital lines. 

Embrace remote working

Digital phone lines use the cloud, allowing your team to make and take calls from anywhere using the same number across devices. Wherever your employees are located, they’ll stay connected. While many experts predict businesses will continue to enable hybrid working, upgrading to a digital phone line system that supports both in-office and remote working offers flexibility as to your organisation’s decision.

Stay operational, no matter what

As well as enabling remote and hybrid working, digital phone lines offer business continuity, even when disaster strikes, through access to your service from anywhere. For example, if your internet connection goes down, you could switch to 4G or 5G on your mobile and continue making calls. If your office should become inaccessible, remote access to your phones ensures you can keep your business running. 

Upgrade to save on costs

Digital phone tariffs tend to cost less than traditional lines, especially for international calls. By upgrading now, you can start saving immediately and even take those savings one step further by choosing a broadband service. What’s more, having one supplier that offers both the digital line with broadband will simplify your billing.

Attract new talent and retain employees

Enabling flexible working can keep your business ahead of the competition when it comes to attracting and retaining employees. For many people, the ability to work flexibly is a major priority. In fact, many prefer hybrid working over other job perks, including significant pay rises. By upgrading your phones to digital lines, you can make hybrid working easier for your current employees and attract top talent.

Upgrade with ease

The telecoms industry has been aware of the switch-off for several years. Although digital lines are relatively new when compared to their traditional counterparts, they are tried, tested and proven by businesses that have already made the leap to digital. This should give you the confidence you need to ensure that the switch to digital phone lines is quick, seamless and trouble-free. However, if you do face any issues when upgrading, they can be quickly resolved internally or with the support of a trusted partner.

Ready to start your digital transformation? 

At Claranet, we offer a range of digital phone lines tailored to your business needs. Whether you require one line or hundreds, we’ve got you covered. We can also help you with connectivity by offering a portfolio of high-speed broadband services that are more than capable of handling digital phone calls, video meetings, file sharing and more. 

Find out more about the PSTN switch off, or speak to a networks and connectivity expert to find a solution suitable for your organisation.