BT Urges UK Infrastructure Providers to Upgrade from Analogue Networks by 2025

BT

BT is calling on the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sectors—healthcare, water, energy, emergency services, government, and security—to shift away from the ageing analogue copper landline network. This move is crucial as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) approaches its end-of-service, becoming increasingly prone to faults and maintenance challenges.

A recent Ofcom Connected Nations report revealed a sharp 45% rise in major PSTN resilience incidents in 2024, underscoring the urgency for change. The transition impacts vital public systems such as water monitoring sensors, phone lines for medical services, alarms for lifts, fire and burglar systems, roadside emergency phones, train station help points, and some legacy card payment systems.

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This nationwide shift from analogue to digital connectivity is a transformative, once-in-a-generation program that aims to future-proof communications. Backed by Ofcom and the government, the initiative promises a more secure, stable, and efficient infrastructure. While BT successfully migrated nearly 300,000 business lines in 2024, its latest data revealed that a significant number of CNI providers still rely on outdated systems for critical services.

To address this, BT is urging organizations to act promptly by collaborating with its specialists to assess technology estates, test device compatibility with digital networks, and transition to reliable systems by 2025. This proactive approach will reduce communication risks and ensure operational resilience.

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Combatting Gaps in Preparedness

As of December, 2024, 60% of BT’s CNI customers lack a digital transition strategy. However, notable progress is evident in some sectors, with 80% of energy customers and 64% of water customers advancing their migration efforts. These examples reflect growing momentum toward a robust digital infrastructure.

The PSTN will be fully decommissioned by January, 2027. To aid organizations reliant on this legacy network, the government introduced the PSTN Critical National Infrastructure Charter. This initiative outlines safeguards that communication providers and network operators will implement during the transition. BT, a signatory of the charter, has commended it as a pivotal step in ensuring no business is left behind in this essential infrastructure upgrade.

Bas Burger, CEO of BT’s Business division, emphasized the risks of relying on the ageing copper landline network for the UK’s essential public services, highlighting the need for a transition to modern, future-proofed connectivity before the analogue network is retired. He noted that while BT is committed to facilitating this shift, collaboration from all stakeholders is essential.

“We’re urging all critical national infrastructure providers to act now to help protect their services and reap the long-term benefits of going digital. Waiting until the analogue switch-off is too late. We’re working with customers to review their technology estate, test their critical devices, and switch to more reliable connectivity by the end of 2025,” Burger concluded.

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