June 1st 2024
BT OPENREACH DELAYS ISDN SWITCH OFF 2025 TO 2027
What We Know So Far
In 2017, BT Openreach released a seven-year plan to terminate ISDN and PSTN networks and IP technology. And so began the ISDN Switch Off.
We’ve seen pilot locations become fully digital and a complete stop sale of Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) products in September 2023. The 2025 deadline held promise, but as of May 2024, BT has delayed the phase-out till 2027.
Read on to learn more about the ISDN Switch Off delay and what will happen between now and 2027.
Changes to the ISDN Switch Off
In May 2024, BT Openreach notified all telecom providers, like Lily, that the ISDN Switch Off is now planned for January 31st 2027. This date is subject to change, and we will keep all our clients informed of any updates.
While WLR products stopped selling in 2023, the full withdrawal will now be completed in line with this new date. The all-digital future may seem more distant, but many businesses have already transitioned to IP technology in preparation for major service disruptions.
Why Has the Switch Off Moved from 2025 to 2027?
The ISDN Switch Off appeared on track, but BT Openreach faced several challenges threatening the transition's success.
The main challenge was engagement. End customers haven’t been engaged, and other telecom providers haven’t been committed to migrating their customers off WLR.
Further work needs to be done for vulnerable customers. Nearly two million people in the UK use vital telecare systems and have faced severe incidents, including health pendants not working and analogue lines connected to emergency services being turned off.
In March 2024, a Network Operator Charter was implemented to review these switch off incidents for vulnerable customers.
The Current State of the ISDN Network
Although the phase-out is delayed, it doesn’t mean the ISDN and PSTN networks are improving. According to an Ofcom report, PSTN incidents increased by 20% in 2023, and customers' lost connectivity on this network increased by 60%.
At Lily, we are committed to helping our clients find the best solutions to future-proof their operations against this disruption.
We’ve seen first-hand the power digital transformation has for organisations. Our clients have enjoyed greater scalability, reduced outages and faults, lower line rental costs and a more productive workforce. All of this is possible with a hosted phone system.
What Will Happen Between Now and 2027?
A lot of activities will occur leading up to January 2027. These include:
- Continued migrations: Lily and other providers will transition clients with legacy products to IP technology.
- End of WLR contracts: BT will terminate all existing WLR contracts from December 2025, per the original timetable.
- Introduction of WLR withdrawal notice period: After December 2025, BT will issue new terms and a three-month termination notice period for any remaining WLR products.
- Start of industry working group sessions: BT will hold industry working groups to find an approach for managing non-engaged telecom providers and end-users.
- Official switch off: All end customers will be transitioned to IP technology.
Prepare for the ISDN Switch Off with Lily
There is no better time than now to switch to smarter, digital technology. Get ahead of the disruption and work with Lily to make the journey to a digital future seamless. Our expert team will be at hand every step of the way.
Future-proof your business today - contact the Lily team to learn more.