The BT phone line switch-off: what UK small businesses need to know
The UK's analogue and ISDN phone network is being retired. If your business still relies on traditional phone lines or an old switchboard, now is the time to plan your move — before it's forced on you.
Your switch-off checklist
- List every phone number and line your business pays for
- Note devices that use a phone line: alarms, card machines, lifts, fax
- Check your broadband is reliable enough for calls
- Decide how calls should be routed: opening hours, teams, voicemail
- Plan your number port and switch-over date with your provider
Switch with 
DragFlow is DragTech's hosted telephony service. Your switchboard moves to the cloud, your numbers come with you, and every call is routed to the right person — with call recordings and AI transcripts available as part of your setup.
Read more about DragFlow or our guide to hosted telephony for UK businesses.
Common questions
What is the BT phone line switch-off?
The UK's old copper telephone network (PSTN) and ISDN lines are being retired. Calls will run over internet connections instead, so businesses still using traditional lines or an on-site switchboard need to move to a digital phone service.
Will I lose my business phone number?
No. UK geographic and non-geographic numbers can be ported to a hosted phone system. DragTech runs the port and keeps your old lines live until the new system is proven.
What else might stop working?
Anything plugged into an analogue line can be affected — for example alarm diallers, lift lines, card terminals and fax machines. Check these with your suppliers before you switch.
What should I replace my phone lines with?
Hosted telephony. Your switchboard runs in the cloud, and your team answers on desk phones, the desktop app, mobiles or Microsoft Teams.