PSTN migration cost planning for UK businesses
Build a like-for-like budget from your own lines, devices and supplier quotations. There is no universal migration price or guaranteed saving.
November 2026 guidance: Openreach confirms PSTN closure on 31 January 2027. Your communications provider sets your migration date; not every analogue service retires together. Confirm the arrangements for each line.
Seven headings for your migration budget
One-off line and phone-system changes
Ask for installation, number porting, PBX licences or upgrades, supported gateways, handsets and configuration to be itemised. Check existing contract termination terms.
Recurring calling services
Compare SIP channels plus PBX maintenance with hosted telephony licences and calling charges. Include the features, support, contract term and VAT treatment actually quoted, rather than assuming a saving.
Broadband and resilience
Check whether the existing circuit has a WLR dependency. Budget for any replacement connection, installation, router, backup power and suitable mobile or second-circuit fallback.
Alarm, lift, EPOS and telecare suppliers
Obtain separate quotations for supported equipment, signalling subscriptions, SIMs, site visits and maintenance from each responsible supplier. A phone-service quote may not include these.
Testing and cutover
Allow for end-to-end device tests, emergency calling checks, staff time, training and a documented recovery plan. Agree any overlap of old and new services without cancelling a line before porting is confirmed.
Business interruption
Plan how calls, payments and monitoring will continue during the agreed cutover. Estimate your own operational exposure; disruption is a risk to manage, not an inevitable equipment failure.
Temporary last-resort protection
Ask your current provider about eligibility, limitations and any customer charges if EVAc is used. Published wholesale charges are not a customer quotation. It is not an alternative migration plan.
Compare the complete service, not just line rental
Use the same users, concurrent calls, devices, contract period and support requirements for each quote. Separate one-off costs, recurring costs and optional extras. Ask who owns each task and what is excluded. Get dates and supplier compatibility confirmations in writing.
Do not budget on an extension
Openreach's September 2026 safeguards do not change the closure date. EVAc is temporary and limited, cannot be ordered in advance and has no reservable capacity. Eligible linked broadband may be retained only where technically possible. Confirm any fees and conditions with your provider, but plan a supported migration rather than relying on this last resort.
Official sources and scope
- Openreach: deadline and temporary safeguards, 24 September 2026
- GOV.UK: UK transition from analogue to digital landlines
- GOV.UK: moving landlines to digital technologies
Planning guidance, not a quotation or safety certification. Communications and equipment providers must confirm current terms, dates, compatibility and testing for your services.