The UK is undergoing a major communications transformation: the 2026 Digital Switchover, also known as “Switch Off 2026.” By the end of January 2027, BT Openreach and other telecom providers will have completely phased out traditional analogue copper networks which will impact landline and broadband services as a result.
With over 15 million analogue lines currently in use across the country, the switchover will mean the end of analogue PSTN and ISDN services in favour of a fully digital IP-based network.
For VoIP resellers, this presents a unique opportunity to guide businesses through the shift to internet-based calling and secure your position as a key partner in the digital future.
What does the Digital Switchover mean?
Outdated PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) will be replaced with VoIP and other internet-based telephony solutions for faster, more secure and efficient communication.
For customers with broadband on a PSTN circuit, the Digital Switchover means moving to SOGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access) or full fibre broadband. For areas without full fibre, SOGEA is an ideal solution for providing broadband without a phone line, whereas full fibre broadband offers customers a much faster and reliable connection. As a VoIP reseller, you can guide customers through these options for a seamless transition.
But why now?
Traditional telephony infrastructure is expensive and increasingly difficult to maintain compared to cost-effective digital networks. Our demand for data has skyrocketed with the rise of smartphones, cloud systems and remote working, with traditional networks struggling to keep up.
By switching to VoIP systems, businesses and customers alike will benefit from more flexible, scalable and reliable communication.
What does this mean for VoIP resellers?
With a surge in businesses making the switch from traditional telephony to VoIP, cloud-based solutions and SIP trunking services, here’s what you could expect as a VoIP reseller:
1. Increased demand: Demand for VoIP will reach an all-time high with the discontinuation of millions of legacy lines causing businesses to shift to IP-based communication, particularly in industries experiencing high call volumes such as finance, healthcare and retail.
2. Opportunity to support and advise: A lot of business owners may not be aware of what the 2026 Digital Switchover will mean for their businesses, along with the logistics of switching to a VoIP system. By providing education and advice to affected businesses, resellers can ensure a smooth, secure transition from traditional telephony to VoIP.
3. New revenue streams: Supporting businesses with the transition to VoIP telephony creates the opportunity to cross-sell other potential services such as UCaaS (Unified Communications), cloud-based solutions and managed IT services. Coupling these services with VoIP could give way to additional revenue streams while creating long-term value for clients.
For a lot of people, the Digital Switchover can be intimidating. Below are some of the key benefits to discuss with businesses looking to shift to VoIP:
-
- Financial benefits: VoIP typically costs less per call than legacy landlines, especially long-distance calls. The cost of separate voice and data lines are eliminated by combining services.
-
- Flexibility: VoIP telephony can be tailored to suit each business, with the ability to add or remove lines as required, without the need for physical rewiring. Teams can harness the flexibility of VoIP. systems and stay connected whether they are working remotely, travelling or moving offices.
-
- Advanced features: VoIP supports video conferencing, call forwarding, voicemail-to-email and integration with CRM systems.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, VoIP resellers have a unique opportunity to grow and establish long-lasting customer relationships. The digital future is here – are you ready to take the lead?