Spitfire launches PSTN switch-off migration service

Spitfire Network Services has launched a new migration service aimed at UK businesses that need to move away from legacy copper-based phone and broadband lines as the public switched telephone network is phased out.

The London-based connectivity provider has introduced its PSTN Switch Off Migration service for organisations that still rely on analogue WLR and ISDN services. The offer follows recent price signals from Openreach, which has said it will double charges to service providers for legacy analogue products by October 2026.

BT and Openreach plan to withdraw all copper-based analogue, ISDN and broadband services and move customers onto all-IP alternatives. The nationwide switch-off was originally due to complete by the end of 2025. The deadline now stands at 31 January 2027.

Industry executives say the extension has caused many firms to downgrade the priority of their migration programmes. Suppliers warn that late movers may face higher input costs, longer lead times and reduced support options as older products near retirement.

Switch-off risk

Spitfire said its Switch Off Migration Service offers a range of technology options for both connectivity and telephony. The company said the service aims to match different access and voice products with the needs of each customer.

The firm said it places emphasis on the way businesses move to the new services. It said it focuses on a managed migration process rather than a simple replacement of lines.

Spitfire also said it keeps business leaders informed about the aspects of each migration project that affect them. The company said this approach gives customers time to make decisions without last-minute pressure.

The migration package includes a number of commercial and technical elements. Spitfire said customers will not pay a migration charge when moving from legacy analogue lines, ISDN circuits or broadband services under the scheme.

The company is offering a choice of minimum contract terms, starting from three months. It said this structure is intended for organisations that want shorter commitments while they plan wider changes to their networks and communications.

The service includes a digital voice line with an associated call bundle. Spitfire said this is part of an integrated move from traditional telephony to IP-based voice.

Spitfire said it is also making a range of Quality of Service options available. It said performance service level agreements can extend up to what it describes as an 'Ethernet' standard for customers with more stringent requirements.

Customers that take the all-IP service can upgrade to superfast fibre broadband where it becomes available during their minimum term. Spitfire said this creates an upgrade path for organisations in areas that are still in the process of fibre build-out.

Early action message

Harry Bowlby, Managing Director at Spitfire Network Services, said businesses still face a large volume of work despite the revised national deadline.

"Although this revised date buys more time and indeed may now seem some way off, the huge task to move to an all-IP future proofed service remains. Customers should still aim to take action now, as the announcement only provides a one year extension and we are still likely to experience resource bottlenecks as the months go by. As we've seen, prices from OpenReach and BT to service providers for certain legacy products will rise by up to 100% by October 2026, so our message is clear move now, avoid the rush and protect your business communications," said Harry Bowlby, Managing Director, Spitfire Network Services Limited.

He said organisations often underestimate the complexity of leaving legacy services.

"We understand the migration process and what is required, and how each businesses' requirements will differ. It is this knowledge and experience that ensures each migration is smooth and stress-free - allowing businesses to focus on growth and delivering for their customers. Ultimately this is about future-proofing your business - so why wait," said Bowlby.

Spitfire has operated from central London for more than three decades and reports turnover of more than GBP £23 million with a workforce of over 100 staff. The company expects demand for migration planning and support to rise as the national switch-off date approaches.