By 2025, the UK’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and ISDN lines will be switched off. For decades, these copper-based networks carried the bulk of the nation’s phone traffic. But they’re no longer fit for purpose in a digital world. Care homes that still rely on traditional lines need to plan their digital switchover now or risk being caught out.
The question isn’t if care homes should make the change, but when. The short answer is as soon as possible. Leaving it to the last minute increases the risk of disruption, rushed decisions, and higher costs. A proactive approach ensures staff, residents, and families enjoy a smooth transition to modern, cloud-based telecoms.
So, when should care homes start preparing for the digital switchover, and what steps are involved?
Key Takeaways
- The PSTN/ISDN switch-off is set for 2025, meaning all care homes must adopt digital alternatives before then.
- Early planning avoids disruption and spreads costs, making the transition smoother.
- Hosted VoIP and cloud telecoms provide care homes with future-proof, flexible communication.
The Foundation: What Is the PSTN/ISDN Switch-Off?
The UK’s legacy copper network is being phased out by BT Openreach. PSTN lines (used for voice calls) and ISDN lines (used for calls and some data) will be fully retired by December 2025.
For care homes, this means:
- No More Traditional Lines: All calls must move to digital, IP-based alternatives.
- Dependent Services Affected: Systems like alarms, lifts, and door entry connected to PSTN/ISDN will also be impacted.
- Urgency: Some regions are already in “stop-sell” mode, where new PSTN/ISDN services are no longer available.
Waiting until 2025 isn’t an option. Care homes need time to audit existing services, plan replacements, and train staff.
Why Care Homes Shouldn’t Delay
Risk of Disruption
Leaving the switch until the deadline risks sudden outages if systems aren’t ready. Staff could find themselves without working phones which would be an unacceptable risk in a care setting.
Rising Costs
As the deadline approaches, engineer availability will tighten and prices may increase. Early adopters can spread costs over time and avoid premium fees.
Smooth Transition
Switching early allows care homes to test systems, train staff, and iron out issues before the old network disappears.
One care home manager who switched in 2023 described the move as “surprisingly smooth” because they weren’t competing with thousands of others rushing at the last minute.
The Benefits of a Digital Switchover
Planning early isn’t just about avoiding problems, it’s about unlocking benefits.
- Hosted VoIP: Flexible, scalable phone systems that reduce costs.
- Mesh Wi-Fi: Stronger building-wide coverage to support mobile devices.
- Failover Protection: Built-in resilience during outages.
- Future Integration: Compatibility with telehealth, smart monitoring, and digital care records.
Care homes that upgrade now gain more efficient, reliable systems that improve both staff workflows and resident wellbeing.
Key Steps for Planning a Digital Switchover
Step 1: Audit Current Systems
Care homes should begin by reviewing their existing telecoms setup. Which services still rely on PSTN/ISDN lines? This often includes:
- Phone lines
- Lift emergency systems
- Alarm panels
- Door entry systems
Step 2: Choose a Replacement Solution
Hosted VoIP is the most common alternative. It runs over the internet, eliminating reliance on copper lines.
- Scalable: Add or remove lines easily.
- Cost-Effective: Lower line rental and call costs.
- Feature-Rich: Call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and hunt groups.
Step 3: Upgrade Connectivity
Reliable broadband is the foundation of digital telecoms. Care homes should ensure they have business-grade connectivity to support VoIP and other digital tools.
Step 4: Train Staff and Test Systems
Staff confidence is essential. Hands-on training ensures carers understand how to use the new phones and features. Testing systems gradually avoids surprises.
Step 5: Go Live Early
By completing the switchover well before 2025, care homes avoid deadline pressure and can focus on delivering care without disruption.
Addressing Common Concerns
Some care homes fear the switchover will be expensive or disruptive. In reality:
- Costs Are Lower: Hosted VoIP often reduces monthly bills.
- Minimal Disruption: Systems can be installed in days, with no downtime.
- Support Available: Providers like circle.cloud manage the process from survey to installation.
circle.cloud specialises in care home telecoms, helping homes transition smoothly with tailored solutions designed for the sector.
Preparing for a Digital Future
The switchover isn’t just a deadline, it’s an opportunity. Care homes that upgrade now position themselves for the digital care landscape of the future.
- Telehealth: Remote GP and specialist consultations.
- Resident Wellbeing: Reliable Wi-Fi for video calls and entertainment.
- Smart Devices: IoT tools for safety and monitoring.
By making the change early, care homes ensure they’re ready for these innovations, not scrambling to catch up.
Conclusion
The PSTN/ISDN switch-off is coming, and care homes need to act now. Early planning ensures continuity, reduces costs, and unlocks modern telecoms benefits. Waiting until 2025 risks disruption, stress, and unnecessary expense.
At circle.cloud, we help care homes transition to hosted VoIP and cloud telecoms smoothly, with minimal disruption. Learn more here: Care Homes Phone System.
Reach out to us: Has your care home started planning for the digital switchover, or are you waiting closer to 2025?
FAQs
When is the PSTN/ISDN switch-off happening?
By December 2025, though many regions are already in stop-sell mode where new PSTN/ISDN services are unavailable.
What services in care homes are affected?
Phones, alarms, lifts, and door entry systems connected to PSTN/ISDN will all need digital replacements.
Is hosted VoIP reliable enough for care homes?
Yes. With business-grade broadband, VoIP is highly reliable and comes with failover options for resilience.