1 in 5 Businesses Are Not Ready - Are You?
Make the ‘Great British Switch Off’ Work for You!
The countdown is on for January 2027 when The Great British Switch Off happens. According to recent research, 22% of businesses have not yet made the switch to digital alternatives, highlighting the urgency to act now.
The Switch Off marks the end of traditional phone lines, with all services moving to digital alternatives. While January 2027 may seem a way off, it’s not much more than a year away, and it's vital not to wait until the last minute.
Five reasons why starting your preparations now makes sense:
1. Don’t Get Left Behind
Traditional phone systems will soon be a thing of the past. Waiting to switch could leave you with phones, alarms, or payment machines that simply stop working.
- Review your current phones, alarm systems, and payment machines.
- Identify anything that depends on traditional phone lines.
- Make a list of what will need replacing or upgrading before the switch off.
2. Beat the Last-Minute Rush
Closer to the deadline, demand for engineers and equipment will soar. Product availability will go down which means prices will go up! Taking action now gives you plenty of choice and time to transition at your pace.
- Schedule a consultation with your provider while availability is good.
- Start discussing your needs and options early, so there’s time to plan properly.
- Create a timeline for upgrades that works around your business, avoiding busy periods.
3. Save Money
Digital phone services can reduce monthly costs and offer extra features. Switching early could mean savings you can reinvest elsewhere.
- Compare your current phone bill with quotes for digital alternatives.
- Ask your provider for information about features included in digital packages.
- Consider the long-term savings on call charges, maintenance, and upgrades.
4. Benefit from Better Technology
Modern systems bring clearer calls, reliable connections, and greater flexibility—helping you stay connected wherever you work.
- Upgrade your old phone equipment step by step, starting with the most outdated parts.
- Look into cloud-based phone solutions to add flexibility and support hybrid working.
- Prioritise systems that are both secure and ready to grow with your business.
5. Stay Connected and Ahead of the Curve
Moving early shows your customers and colleagues that you’re forward-thinking and prepared for the future.
- Keep your team and customers informed about upcoming changes.
- Use the switch as an opportunity to introduce new tools that improve how you communicate and work together.
- Complete a review of your wider IT setup to spot other areas ready for modernisation.
If you are one of the 22%, the sooner you begin, the smoother your switch will be. Review your current systems, talk to Chess as your trusted provider to explore your options and create a plan to ensure a seamless transition.
Call us on 0344 770 6000 and talk to one of our experts.
Chess helps you to connect your people, protect your data, grow your business, reduce your costs and work better together, which means your business, your people and your customers can thrive.
According to recent research, 22% of UK businesses have not yet started their switch to digital voice services. For more details, read the report.
About the author
Chess
Chess is one of the UK’s leading independent and trusted technology service providers, employing more than 240 skilled people across the UK, supporting over 18,000 organisations.
We believe IT should work for you, reduce costs, deliver efficiency, keep you secure, enhance your work-life balance, improving performance. At Chess, we’re passionate about our unique culture and our continuous investment in our people to be industry experts.
We’re extremely proud that our people voted us No.1 in ‘The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work for’ list 2018, and we continue to celebrate more than 17 years in the top 100.