Telecommunications giant BT is holding a series of special events to raise awareness of the switch from analogue phone lines to digital – as business chiefs are urged to ensure they are prepared for the change too.

In December 2025, as part of what has been called the Big Switch Off, all analogue phone systems will be turned off. Instead, all calls will be delivered via the internet instead.

It forms part of a major upgrade in the technology used for calls, phasing out the copper wire telephone network – the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) – and replacing it with the voice-over internet protocol (VoIP).

Businesses are being urged to act this year to prevent any problems with the changeover. While many will have already made the switch, failure to do so could cause significant issues.

BT Openreach, which has been working towards the switchover since 2016, explains: “Businesses that don’t adopt cloud phone systems before the PSTN switch off will face more problems than just not being able to make calls.

“Many alarm systems are also connected to a company’s phone lines, and if these are still operating on legacy hardware by the time the switch off comes, they will be rendered inoperable.

“Additionally, lift alarms and other points of contact in an emergency often run on PSTN and will need to be upgraded before 2025.

“For some small businesses, this may mean buying new dedicated handsets and IT personnel familiarising themselves with their phone service dashboard.

“Larger businesses, on the other hand, may need to retire large amounts of outdated equipment, and draw up strategies for new opportunities offered by IP including call analytics and customisable hold messages. This will require extensive planning, so should be completed sooner rather than later to prevent a stressful and costly transformation closer to the deadline.”

In a move which will also impact households, BT is currently holding eight events across the county about the changes, providing experts to explain to residents what is happening.

Events in Rochester and Gillingham took place earlier this week, with others taking place in Canterbury, Gravesend, Folkestone, Ashford, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells.

Vicky Hicks, senior engagement manager at BT explained: “The landline is here to stay and, for the majority of customers, making the switch simply involved plugging your phone into a broadband router instead of a wall-mounted phone socket.

Businesses that don’t adopt cloud phone systems before the PSTN switch off will face more problems than just not being able to make calls

“For almost all customers moving to our Digital Voice service, it will be a simple and free transition with no home installation work required. They’ll have the same service and their bills will stay the same.”

Many consumers will already be using VoIP services if with the likes of Sky or Virginmedia.

The BT Kent events taking place over the coming days are:

March 6 – 14 Gravel Walk, Whitefriars, Canterbury 9am-3pm

March 7 & 8 – 12 Bouverie Place, Bouverie Place Shopping Centre 9am-3pm

March 7 – Gravesend Library, Windmill Street 10am-2pm

March 11 & 12 – Dobbies Garden Centre, Ashford 10am-4pm

March 13 & 14 – Maidstone Library, James Whatman Way 10am-4pm

March 15 & 18 – Tunbridge Wells Library, Mount Pleasant Road 10am-4pm.