Businesses have worked using copper, analogue landlines for communication for decades. They have been used not only for telephones, but also for other items such as fax machines. CCTV, lifts, payment devices, and some alarms. They are used in all types of commercial units, including retail units, offices, warehouses, workshops, and industrial units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The UK government announced that the copper landlines and analogue communication lines are currently being phased out, and they will finally be switched off at the end of January 2027. For commercial unit landlords and tenants, this is something that you need to be aware of and prepared for. If a commercial unit is not already using digital communications, it is important to get it sorted out as soon as you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Openreach, as of February 2026, 500,000 PSTN lines are still being used by businesses, and in January 2027, these will cease to work. The longer it takes for a commercial unit landlord (or tenant) to move over to the digital lines, the more disruptive and expensive it will become (demand is expected to rise over the last few months).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Openreach is already charging its customers more for their copper lines than their digital ones, and they are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain and repair. Add this to the fact that the copper lines are more susceptible to damage and less reliable generally, for businesses, going over to digital lines should be a priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The existing communication lines are known as PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network). If you are aware that your commercial unit is using these lines, you should look into switching as soon as you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are still some areas in the UK that are not served by full fibre. The plan is that these areas will be served by a copper service based on data, such as SOGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access). This is a copper line internet service that does not rely on a telephone line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Copper lines have been standard in commercial units for decades, and therefore, can often be overlooked when updates are carried out. From office units to warehouses, analogue communications have become ingrained in the running and functioning of commercial units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is recommended that businesses carry out a thorough audit as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some examples of when analogue communication lines are used include (but are not exclusively):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One concern for commercial unit landlords and tenants with this change is ensuring a constant supply of energy. Unlike the old lines that could be powered from the exchange, it is not the case with the new system. The routers and ONTs need the energy from the building to function properly. It is a requirement from OFCOM that the providers supply a minimum of one hour of emergency services in the case of a power cut. It is recommended, therefore, that commercial unit landlords look into what they can do to protect the unit from unnecessary issues with power provision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For commercial unit landlords and anyone involved in the management of a commercial unit, there are three main areas that should be looked at in regard to the switch over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ensure that all elements using analogue communications continue to be in use \u2013 <\/strong>speak to businesses such as lift, CCTV, payment point, and alarm companies to check and ensure that you (and they) are ready for the switch over \u2013 and of course, carry out any work that will be needed. Make sure that you record the results of any tests to cover yourself in case any problems arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check other elements that could be affected \u2013 <\/strong>check doors, entry systems, gating systems, etc., as well as any building management systems that you have in place. You could also look into finding a local energy source – backup generators, or renewable energy, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Communication with tenants \u2013 <\/strong>ensure that your tenants are aware of what is about to happen in January 2027, and what is required of them. It might be auditing some of their own elements and devices and ensuring that they are ready; it may involve making sure that they give access for any work that is required, that they understand the process should anything go wrong, and just making them aware of what is happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For commercial unit tenants, often more detailed checks should be carried out to ensure that they don\u2019t have problems when the analogue lines are switched off. Recommendations for them include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The key to ensuring that your commercial unit is not going to see any problems when it comes to the switch to digital is preparation. By properly understanding what is needed, you can ensure that everything is changed well in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For both commercial unit landlords and tenants, this is an important deadline. It is vital that you are prepared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here at Boxpod<\/a>, we have a range of commercial units listed, so if you are looking for a new home for your business, why not take a look at our website and see what commercial units we have to offer?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nFor Businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n