A new report, titled ‘The Big Switch-Off: Are UK Businesses Aware and Prepared?’, highlights that nearly one third (30 per cent) of UK businesses are in the dark about the discontinuation of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) by December 2025.
Gamma conducted the research in collaboration with the Centre for Economics Business Research (Cebr), with the findings indicating only 54 per cent of businesses that will be directly impacted by the switch-off are currently aware of the need to upgrade their service.
Though the switch-off is already underway, three quarters (74 per cent) of businesses are yet to complete essential migration tasks. 49 per cent of businesses haven’t started researching alternatives to form a migration plan.
The report also shows that there is a significant disparity in awareness across different regions as well as industry verticals in the UK. Businesses in Northern Ireland have the lowest rate of awareness at 44 per cent followed by businesses in Southeast England (47 per cent). In London, 59 per cent of businesses are conscious of the switch-off.
Chris Wade, chief marketing and product officer, Gamma, explained, “The next 12 months are crucial for UK businesses still using PSTN. Our report highlights that there is still a significant number of businesses currently reliant on legacy services for customer communications, order taking, internal communications, security and even lift operation.
“To ensure a smooth transition following the switch-off, businesses need to act now and explore alternative digital communications available to them. This way businesses can understand the benefits that come with switching to modern solutions, such as a positive impact on the business’ bottom line as well as increased flexibility and scalability.
“By doing so, businesses can make sure they don’t make a rash decision – instead, find the right solution for their business needs.”
