Prepare for the PSTN switch-off: How to spot copper-based services

The UK’s old copper network is officially being retired on 31 January 2027. After that date, any device still relying on the old network will stop working.

And it’s not just phones that used it. Copper was the baseline standard for decades, meaning it supported a variety of workspace and building tech. An overlooked line could leave critical services like payment systems, building access or a broadband connection offline.

While some suppliers will give you a heads-up if a service needs replacing, a lot of the time they won’t have a record of what that service is connected to. That’s why the safest bet is to do a quick check yourself.

Here is a step-by-step of how to track down any copper dependencies in your building.

Step 1: Check your bills

This is the easiest place to start identifying services that may still rely on the old network. Look for acronyms or terms like PSTN, ISDN, ADSL, FTTC, analogue line, copper line, line rental, landline or alarm line. If you see any of these terms on your bill, you may have a copper-based service.  

Check invoices from your internet, IT and phone providers, as well as suppliers that manage your alarms, lifts, payment systems, security or building services. This could also include managing agents, or anyone else who manages your technology or provides a digital service.

Step 2: Work out what each service is used for

If you have spotted any of these terms on a bill, create a list with the supplier's name, your account number and the service. Then work out what each service is used for and who manages it.

If you see a service you don’t recognise, do not ignore it. It may still be connected to something your team, or tenants if you’re a landlord, use on a daily basis.

Step 3: Do a physical walk-through

Not every copper-based service will be obvious from your bills. Some lines may be old, poorly labelled or managed by a different supplier.

That is why it is worth walking through the building and checking the equipment directly. Check comms rooms, cupboards, lift areas, alarm panels, reception desks and old sockets. Look for older phone sockets, Openreach or BT equipment, labels with phone numbers, old routers, alarm panels or any equipment that has been sitting there for years. Take photos as you go.  

If you are a tenant, check your own space first. If you are a landlord, managing agent or building operator, check shared areas and building services.

Step 4: Contact suppliers

Once you have identified the services and connections across the site, contact the relevant suppliers to confirm what each one is, what it supports and whether it relies on copper. Each supplier will usually only know about the service they manage, so it is important to check every service on your list.

Ask them whether the service will be affected by the copper switch-off, what replacement options are available, and whether anything needs to be updated before the service is moved or cancelled.

Step 5: Assess your IT setup

While you are checking for copper-based services, it is worth looking at your wider IT setup too. Does it still fit the way your business operates? If you are a landlord, are your tenants happy with the service? Is it the most cost-effective solution, and are you happy with how it’s being managed?

Tracking down old copper lines can be time-consuming. If you’d rather save the time, our experts can visit your building and do a thorough check for you.

Book your free copper audit

It can be hard to look for copper lines yourself. That's why one of our engineers can visit your site for free and flag anything that may still rely on copper.

Book your free audit.