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Compare · 2026

VoIPvsISDN

ISDN served UK businesses for decades, but the network is being switched off for good. VoIP isn't just the replacement — it's cheaper, more flexible and more capable. Here's the honest comparison and what to do next.

Free PSTN & ISDN readiness audit

Review my current setup

Tell us what runs on your lines today and a UK engineer comes back with a migration plan, the order of work and the cost, well before the January 2027 switch-off.

What runs on your lines? (optional · tick any)
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No hard sell·2-hour response, Mon–Fri·01902 427 427

How this page was put together

Providers are compared on what each publishes: list prices and the conditions attached to them, minimum terms and mid-contract rises, what the price includes (calls, set-up, porting, support hours), UK-based support, and whether failover is offered. Telexico’s own entries are our list prices. Where a provider has changed its terms since the date shown, the published source wins; tell us and we will correct it.

Compiled and reviewed by Mickey Mall, Director, Telexico Communications Ltd, Wolverhampton. Updated October 2026.

Telexico handsets: Yealink and Grandstream desk phones, DECT and touch-screen models
Life after copperYealink and Grandstream handsets, pre-provisioned by Telexico, running on fibre instead of the copper line, with the Telexico Mobile App alongside.
How the migration runs

Audit first. New service in. Old lines off last.

We carefully plan and coordinate your migration to minimise disruption. Where technically possible, we can prepare and test your new phone system alongside your existing service before the final cutover. Any expected interruption or contingency requirements will be discussed in advance. Openreach has set 31 January 2027 as the closure date for the PSTN; Stop Sell has applied since September 2023.

Readiness auditEvery line and number listedWhat each one actually carries
The things people forgetAlarm and fire panels, lift lines, door entryCard terminals, telecare, fax and frankingEach checked with its own supplier where needed
New connection firstFull fibre or SoGEA installed and tested4G/5G failover alongside it
Numbers ported, phones liveYour numbers move to the cloud phone systemHandsets and the Telexico Mobile App ready before the switch
Old lines ceased lastNothing is cut until the new service is provenDocumented, with the dates agreed with you
FeatureVoIPISDN
TechnologyCalls over your internet connection.Digital calls over dedicated copper lines.
FutureThe UK standard going forward.Being withdrawn — the UK switch-off is underway.
Line rentalNone — no physical phone lines needed.Per-channel rental on every line.
Call costsLow-cost or inclusive UK calls.Higher per-minute call charges.
FlexibilityAdd users in minutes; work from anywhere.Fixed channels; engineer visits to change.
FeaturesCall routing, apps, voicemail-to-email, analytics built in.Basic calling; extras cost more.
Number portabilityKeep your numbers, use them anywhere.Numbers tied to lines and locations.

Choose VoIP if…

  • You want out before the switch-off deadline
  • You want lower bills and inclusive calls
  • Your team works across sites or from mobiles

Choose ISDN if…

  • Honestly — there's no good reason to stay on ISDN
  • Legacy equipment is the only thing holding you
  • You're contractually stuck (we can review that)
Telexico, in use

Off copper before the deadline, not at it.

  • A readiness audit that lists every line and what it carries
  • The new connection in and tested before anything is switched
  • Your numbers ported, the old lines ceased last
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Telexico Web UC: keypad, directory and call notes in the browser

Our verdict

This one isn't a close contest. ISDN is being switched off across the UK, so every ISDN business will move — the only question is whether you move on your own timetable or in a last-minute rush. Moving early to VoIP cuts costs immediately, keeps your numbers, and gets migration done calmly. We handle the whole switch, including porting, — nothing switches until the new line is live —.

31 January 2027. Ready long before it.

Frequently asked questions

When is ISDN being switched off?

The UK's ISDN and PSTN networks are being withdrawn, with services progressively unavailable to order and full withdrawal following. If you're still on ISDN, you need a migration plan now rather than later.

Will I lose my phone numbers moving off ISDN?

No. We port your existing numbers to VoIP so customers dial exactly the same numbers as before.

Is VoIP call quality as good as ISDN?

On a decent business connection, yes — typically better. HD voice on VoIP is clearer than ISDN, and we check your connection first so quality is guaranteed.

What happens to my alarm lines, card machines and lifts?

Anything running over old lines needs checking — many devices need an upgrade or an alternative. We audit all of it as part of migration so nothing gets missed.

Not sure which is right for you?

Tell us how your business works and we'll recommend the best fit — no hard sell, honest UK advice.

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