The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch off is fast approaching. By 31 January 2027, every phone line in the UK will have moved to a fully digital network that uses Internet Protocol (IP) across a fibre-based service. This will mark the end of traditional copper phone lines and a significant leap towards a fully digital communication infrastructure.
BT Openreach recommend moving traditional phone lines to a fully digital service by the end of December 2025. As the switch off nears, the PSTN is becoming more fragile and prone to faults. This means if you do not move over, your services may no longer work.
Many offices still use traditional copper phone lines; for example alarms, lifts, even some tills and basic internet connections might still be using a copper phone line to provide a connection. These will stop working soon, so it’s important to get started with the transition as soon as possible.
In this blog, we detail how you can do this easily by replacing old internet lines with modern connections, and where a phone sits on any of these old lines, replacing the telephony portion with Microsoft Teams Phone.
Connectivity
Your current internet / phone provider should already have contacted you if you are still paying for traditional copper (“analogue”) phone lines. If they haven’t, you should contact them to ask them to check if you have lines that will need replacing.
If you have anything on your bills listed as “ADSL”, this is likely running on copper that will need replacing. Likewise if your offices have an alarm, or a lift, these may still run on copper too.
There are 3 main types of connection to replace old analogue phone lines. Smartdesc can provide all 3, with a budget estimate below:
- Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC / SOGEA). Typically around 80Mbps download and 20Mbps upload, ideal for small offices of 10-20 people, and relatively cheap; around £50-60 per month. Install time is around 2-3 weeks.
- Fibre to the Premises (FTTP / Full Fibre). Similar to FTTC in that is uses public infrastructure, but fibre optic cable is brought right into the property. The connection is much quicker as a result, up to 1,000Mbps upload and download. Where available, it’s around £100 a month. Install lead time around 3-6 weeks.
- Dedicated Internet Access (DIA / Lease Line). A fully private connection just for your premises, on dedicated fibre, with full 24×7 SLA and the highest resilience. This should be chosen for large / head offices, with much faster speeds for business use. Pricing starts from around £250 per month and installation can take up to 90 days.
Speak to us today if you would like a quote for connection upgrade options for any of the above.
What is Microsoft Teams Phone?
As most charities operate in a hybrid model nowadays, the need for traditional desk phones and phone systems has greatly diminished.
Microsoft Teams Phone is an ideal solution for charities looking to retain some degree of telephony (for example, their main phone number, or to give field staff a “landline” phone number to use instead of disclosing their mobile phone number).
Built within the Microsoft Teams platform, which many organisations already use, Teams Phone supports VoIP phone calls to anyone, whether they’re using a landline, mobile phone, or the Teams app.
What are the benefits?
Microsoft Teams Phone offers a suite of tools to streamline communication, enhance collaboration, and drive impact. There are multiple benefits, including:
Streamlined Communication: Teams Phone seamlessly integrates voice communication into the Microsoft Teams platform, consolidating various communication channels into one unified interface. Charities can make and receive external calls, host virtual meetings, and collaborate with team members—all within the familiar Teams environment. This means no more plastic desk phones or separate phone apps!
Moreover, simplified management and admin rights can be handled within the Teams Admin Centre, eliminating the need for a separate portal.
Robust Security: Security and compliance features from Microsoft 365, including data encryption, compliance tools, and multi-factor authentication (MFA), ensure that your call data is protected, offering peace of mind.
Flexibility and Accessibility: Teams Phone allows volunteers and staff to communicate from anywhere, at any time, using their preferred devices. Whether working remotely, in the field, or at the office, Teams Phone ensures uninterrupted connectivity and accessibility, simply by installing
Easy Scalability: As your charity grows, Microsoft Teams Phone can easily scale to accommodate more users without the need for significant infrastructure changes. This flexibility ensures that your communication system can grow with your organisation.
Cost Efficiency: By adopting a digital communication system, charities can save on costs associated with traditional phone lines and hardware. This can lead to significant savings, which can be redirected towards the charity’s mission and activities.
User-Friendly: The familiar Microsoft Teams interface makes it easy for users to adopt and use Teams Phone without extensive training. This ensures a smooth transition and quick uptake by staff and volunteers.
Enhanced Mobility: Teams Phone allows users to make and receive calls from anywhere in the world, using any device. This mobility ensures that staff and volunteers can stay connected, whether they are in the office, working remotely, or on the go. This is particularly useful for organisations with international operations or support networks.
Customisable Features: Teams Phone offers a range of customisable features, such as call forwarding, voicemail, and auto-attendants. Charities can tailor these features to suit their specific needs and improve their communication processes.
Next steps
Smartdesc provide both internet connectivity and Teams Phone solutions designed specifically for charities.
Our Teams Phone telephony solution includes all the minutes to landlines and mobiles you need, from only £7.60 per user per month (including the Microsoft Teams Phone license) – which is cheaper than going directly via Microsoft!
For a more detailed overview of the features and benefits of Teams Phone, please download our datasheet. To speak to us about modernising your internet connections ahead of the PSTN switch off, please get in touch.
