Building healthier connections starts with all-IP

The UK’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) will be switched off for good by 31 January 2027, but waiting until then isn’t an option, writes Professor Sultan Mahmud, director of health and communities, business, BT Group

BT Business is urging healthcare providers to make the switch by December 2025, allowing enough time for a smooth and secure migration.

The PSTN has served us for decades, but its foundations are crumbling. Built on legacy technology that has been around for more than 75 years, the network is increasingly fragile.

The equipment is becoming more difficult to maintain; parts are becoming obsolete, and fewer engineers have the skills to maintain the ageing network. This is insufficient for the demands of modern healthcare.

The transition is a major undertaking, but one that becomes far more manageable and far less disruptive when addressed early. It’s a once-in-a-generation change that will accelerate the shift to Healthcare 2.0, providing the security, sustainability and digital capability the sector urgently needs.

Migration to fully Internet Protocol (IP)-based services by December 2025 is recommended to protect patient safety and ensure operational resilience.

Although BT Business will discontinue wholesale line rental (WLR) services after January 2027, the upgrade project may require careful planning and time to implement, highlighting the need to act promptly.

However, this shift is not just about replacing phone lines. Many critical healthcare services still depend on legacy infrastructure, from telemetry devices and lift alarms to crash telephones, heart monitors, and door access systems.

Given the scale and complexity of NHS estates, the challenge is significant. Many hospitals and trusts rely on a patchwork of ageing systems, with undocumented lines and incomplete audits adding to the uncertainty.

That’s why it’s vital to act early. Migration is a complex process that takes time, coordination, and planning.

The longer it’s left, the greater the risk of disruption. When critical systems fail, the consequences for patient safety can be severe.

Unlock the future of healthcare with all-IP networks

Healthcare organisations that act now will strengthen operational resilience and elevate patient care. By adopting all-IP networks, they will minimise downtime and unlock advanced technologies like telehealth, remote monitoring, and secure communications – future-proofing infrastructure.

This approach also enables faster deployment, seamless integration, and robust data protection, allowing organisations to scale securely and efficiently.

BT delivers these advantages through industry-leading fibre-optic technology. With speeds reaching up to 400 gigabits per second – capable of transmitting 266 digital pathology files in real time – our fibre infrastructure forms the backbone of a truly digital NHS. This powerful foundation supports safer, more efficient, and future-ready patient care.

We partner closely with NHS trusts nationwide, understanding the complexities of mission-critical healthcare environments where resilience and patient safety are non-negotiable.

Our tailored all-IP solutions including Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Cloud Work, and fully managed service options are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the healthcare sector.

And support doesn’t just come in the form of technology. BT offer free digital testing labs at Adastral Park to allow organisations to check system compatibility, while our professional services team deliver audits, surveys, project management and bulk migration support.

This ensures every line is accounted for, even previously unidentified ones, such as alarms or vending machines.

This isn’t just switching networks, it’s future-proofing the NHS by embracing all-IP to deliver safer, smarter, and more connected care. With the right partner, the transition is smooth and low-impact, supported by clear steps and dedicated guidance to make getting started easier than ever.

Now is the time to act. The sooner the NHS moves forward, the sooner it can deliver the full benefits of modern, high-quality care to those who need it most.

Want to know more? Watch our webinar.

Visit BT’s all-IP migration webpage.