The countdown to the UK PSTN switch off: What happens when the old network ends?
Iain Hoey
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UK prepares for PSTN switch off in 2027
Multitone Electronics has reported that the UK’s Public Service Telephone Network (PSTN) will be fully switched off by 31 January 2027.
The company explained that copper wire analogue infrastructure will be removed and replaced by fibre optic and mobile networks using Internet Protocol.
It said the switch off will affect both households and businesses, including services such as broadband, alarms, door entry systems, faxes and CCTV.
According to Multitone, the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) will also stop functioning.
The business added that providers will need to replace PSTN secondary bearers with alternative solutions.
Impact on emergency responders and public services
Multitone reported that in 2024, users in the UK made nearly 38 million calls to the 999 emergency number.
It stated that Home Office data indicates emergency incidents have risen by as much as 15% in recent years.
The company noted that reliable communications for fire, police, ambulance and lifeboat services will be essential before and after the 2027 transition.
It explained that the change requires emergency responders to ensure their systems are adapted to digital communications.
Regional emergency services prepare for the change
Multitone said that emergency services across the UK are already managing the transition.
It reported that Avon Fire and Rescue Service has begun replacing legacy systems to maintain resilience.
The company explained that this work will support continuous communications for firefighters in Avon, Bath and Bristol.
It added that the regional service is one example of preparations being made nationwide.
Multitone, Telent and Ericsson collaboration
According to Multitone, the company has entered a three-way partnership with Telent and Ericsson.
It explained that the collaboration is focused on providing a 4G solution designed for emergency responders.
The organisation added that the partnership will demonstrate technology at the Emergency Tech Show 2025 in Birmingham.
It said Multitone’s stand will feature the Multitone Nucleus system as part of its showcase.
Multitone comments on technology and transition
Jason Humphreys, Emergency Services Account Manager at Multitone, said: “Multitone’s Critical Messaging technology ensures that urgent messages reach the right people, on the right device, at the right time.
“Our innovative solutions include Multitone Nucleus which bridges the gap between people, teams and departments, empowering them to work smarter and faster.
“In response to the January 2027 PSTN switch-off, our partnership with Telent and Ericsson is a critical step in providing our customers – particularly those in the emergency services – with a resilient, high-speed communication infrastructure.
“This collaboration ensures the UK’s emergency services responders will have the reliable, modern systems required to meet the demands of a fully digital future.”
Emergency tech show 2025
Multitone reported that it will exhibit at the Emergency Tech Show 2025 in Birmingham on 17–18 September.
It stated that Telent and Ericsson will also display technologies at the event.
The company explained that demonstrations will include Multitone’s FireCoder and Station End Systems.
It said the event will allow visitors to see communication technologies in operation ahead of the 2027 switch off.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The upcoming switch off will affect how fire and rescue services maintain communications.
Upgrading systems in advance will be essential to ensure operational resilience and emergency coordination.
Partnerships between technology providers and emergency services are intended to maintain service reliability after the change.
Ongoing demonstrations at sector events provide opportunities for fire professionals to assess solutions.
UK prepares for PSTN switch off in 2027: Summary
The UK’s Public Service Telephone Network will be switched off on 31 January 2027.
Multitone Electronics has reported that the analogue copper network will be replaced by fibre optic and mobile Internet Protocol systems.
The change will affect households, businesses and public services.
The Integrated Services Digital Network will also stop working.
Emergency responders such as fire, police, ambulance and lifeboat services will need digital-ready systems.
In 2024, 999 emergency calls reached nearly 38 million.
Home Office data shows emergency incidents are rising by as much as 15%.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service has begun replacing legacy systems.
Multitone has partnered with Telent and Ericsson to provide 4G solutions for responders.
The Multitone Nucleus system will be displayed at the Emergency Tech Show 2025.
The event will take place on 17–18 September in Birmingham.
Demonstrations will include Multitone’s FireCoder and Station End Systems.
These systems are designed to maintain communication continuity after the switch off.
Technology providers are working with emergency responders ahead of the 2027 deadline.