What is the 'Big Switch Off'?

The term "BT Big Switch Off" refers to the process of phasing out traditional analog phone lines and migrating to digital or internet-based phone services. BT (British Telecommunications) is a major telecommunications company in the United Kingdom.

The UK telecommunications industry is gradually moving away from the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which has been used for decades, toward newer technologies like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Internet Protocol (IP) telephony.

As part of this transition, BT has announced plans to switch off the PSTN network in the UK by 2025. This means that traditional phone lines, also known as copper-based landlines, will be decommissioned, and phone services will be provided over internet-based networks.

The BT Big Switch Off is a significant undertaking that involves migrating customers from analog phone lines to digital alternatives. It will enable more efficient and cost-effective communication services and pave the way for advanced digital technologies.

Customers who rely on traditional phone services will need to migrate to voice services delivered over broadband or fiber-optic networks. This may involve using Voice over IP (VoIP) technology with an internet connection or using mobile networks for voice calls instead.

The BT Big Switch Off represents a shift in telecommunications technology and infrastructure, enabling enhanced communication capabilities and delivering voice services over more modern networks.