UK PSTN Switch-Off Delays – The Channel Opportunity

Let’s face it, delays are usually a pain.

There’s often nothing more frustrating than having to wait longer than expected for that thing you are looking forward to, or working hard to an important deadline which is unexpectedly kicked down the road.

However, for UK businesses and their IT service providers, there is one particular delay which actually presents an enhanced opportunity – the PSTN switch-off.

The cloud-powered digital conversion of all traditional analogue telephony was originally set for December 2025 but is now scheduled for January 2027. And that means more time for all parties to assess their needs, prepare a roadmap for change, and work together to deliver a mutually-beneficial transition.

For end user businesses, the switch-off is the perfect opportunity to digitise more widely; to modernise and unify all communication and collaboration channels so that voice, email, SMS, webchat, and even social media engagement is brought seamlessly together and managed via a single, easy-to-use, and super-efficient interface.

There is also huge value to be derived from integrating it all with other mission-critical tools such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and data analysis platforms so that all customer interactions are beautifully aligned in ways which boost both productivity and user experience.

All of that means the opportunities are just as significant for Managed Service Providers, Value-Added Resellers, and System Integrators - a chance to begin or further-cement relationships as a trusted advisor to customers new and existing. To design and deploy new, future-proof systems, or upsell additional solutions that turn existing functionality into game-changing new capability.

Evolve IP, of course, is perfectly-placed to help ensure everyone gets the very most out of the switch-off delay.   

Education is key. There are still lots of MSPs, VARs and SIs not talking to their customers about it. If they don’t start soon, someone else definitely will.

It's about understanding and explaining all of the many options. For example, the IP conversion for telephony-dependent alarms, or door entry and intercom systems, or school and factory tannoys can be about simple and affordable gateways as opposed to over-engineered and costly new installs.

Ask yourself: How else can my customers leverage the digital dividend that comes with the PSTN switch-off? Am I aware of all the many switch-off options that are available for me to sell and service?  What other tools do my customers use and how can I help them integrate them into their new IP-powered world?

For Evolve IP’s MSP, VAR, and SI customers, that kind of knowledge is king, and we do lots to help educate. We encourage them to set up a Microsoft Teams or Cisco Webex channel forum where their sales teams can ask questions and where the answers can benefit everyone. We also stage regular workshop sessions at our office and provide free access to a video-led unified communication skills training platform with testing and accreditation so our customers can demonstrate to theirs that they have the necessary expertise.

Our resellers are then encouraged to cascade that knowledge down to their own customers; building trust and cementing themselves as a trusted advisor.

The PSTN switch-off delay does mean that extra time now exists for service providers to partner with a vendor that has the solutions and the culture to help them maximize the opportunity.

My advice? Don’t miss out – act now.