Ask Sift for business

Openreach says the old analogue phone network (PSTN) switches off permanently on 31 January 2027. In October 2026 it said about a million copper lines were still active, including around 300,000 in business premises, and that the ones left are the hardest to move. Don't wait for your provider to call.

Sources: Openreach, October 2026 · Openreach · Switch-off checker

It might not, if it still signals over the old phone line. Openreach says some security panels rely on copper lines to send alerts to monitoring stations, and an alarm that loses that path can stop meeting its standard, which could affect your insurance. GOV.UK says to ask the equipment supplier: you may need an upgrade, battery and network back-up, or an adaptor.

Sources: Openreach guide for small businesses · GOV.UK · Switch-off checker

Older card machines that dial out over a phone line could. Openreach warns that businesses still using dial-up card readers on copper lines could find they can't take card payments. Ask your card provider how your terminal connects, and whether it needs to move to broadband, Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Sources: Openreach guide for small businesses · GOV.UK · Switch-off checker

Openreach lists lift emergency phones and auto-diallers among the systems that still rely on the old network. It also notes that passenger lifts need a monitored two-way emergency line under the lift standards. Ask your lift maintenance company about a digital or mobile unit now, as these can take time.

Sources: Openreach, October 2026 · Openreach guide for small businesses · Switch-off checker

They can. Openreach names door entry, automated gates and access control as still relying on the old network, and says some CCTV systems use dial-up modems to send clips off-site. Ask each installer whether it uses a phone line and what the digital replacement is.

Sources: Openreach, October 2026 · Openreach guide for small businesses · Switch-off checker

Not necessarily. Openreach says older fax machines, franking machines and dial-up modems may depend on the old network, and GOV.UK says fax machines might need replacement devices or adaptors. Ask the supplier before your line moves.

Sources: Openreach guide for small businesses · GOV.UK · Switch-off checker

Usually, yes. Openreach says you can usually keep your existing business number when you move to a digital phone line, and your provider can confirm it. If you're also changing provider, ask the new one to port the number and don't cancel the old line first.

Source: Openreach for businesses · Switching checklists

It's a phone service that runs over an internet connection instead of the old copper network. GOV.UK says landlines are moving to technologies such as Voice over IP (VoIP), Digital Voice or All-IP, and Openreach says the phone will usually work through your broadband router rather than a wall socket.

Sources: GOV.UK · Openreach · Compare business broadband

SoGEA (Single order Generic Ethernet Access) is fibre broadband without a landline: fibre to the street cabinet, then copper to your building, with no phone service on the line. If you need calls, you add a digital phone service. Openreach says it offers providers free or discounted connections when they move customers to SoGEA.

Sources: Plusnet · Openreach, October 2026 · Compare business broadband

Openreach says costs vary by provider and by what your business needs, so factor in any equipment upgrades. Waiting also costs money: Openreach doubled the rental price of legacy lines compared with 2025 from 1 October 2026, with further rises planned from February 2027.

Sources: Openreach for businesses · Openreach, October 2026 · Compare business broadband

A digital phone line needs power, so it may not work in a power cut unless you have back-up. Openreach says to tell your provider if you rely on the phone, and its small-business guide suggests battery back-up for routers, rated for at least one to four hours. Keep a charged mobile too.

Sources: Openreach for businesses · Openreach guide for small businesses · Switch-off checker

Openreach says lines that haven't moved may go onto EVAc, a temporary, emergency voice-only service that may not support the calling features you use, or you may lose the service. It also says EVAc has limited capacity and costs much more than digital options.

Sources: Openreach for businesses · Openreach, October 2026 · Switch-off checker

Yes. Openreach says every service on ISDN needs to move to an IP service by January 2027, or it will be ceased. Ask your provider for a migration date in writing.

Source: Openreach for businesses · Switch-off checker

Start with the phone provider on your bill, then each equipment supplier. GOV.UK points out that phone providers won't know which devices are connected to your line, so businesses need to review what they use and whether anything needs replacing, upgrading or an adaptor.

Sources: GOV.UK · Openreach for businesses · Switch-off checker

Yes, if your contract allows it. Ofcom says providers must set out the main monthly price for small businesses in pounds and pence before you sign, but they have more flexibility with business customers, so contracts can include different types of price rise. The pounds-and-pence rule for rises doesn't fully cover business contracts, so your contract terms are what count.

Source: Ofcom: price rises · Price-rise checker

Only if the rise goes beyond what you agreed. Ofcom says that if your provider raises prices beyond what you agreed when you signed, it must give you at least one month's notice and the right to leave without a penalty. If the rise was set out clearly when you signed, it isn't a reason to leave free.

Source: Ofcom: contracts · Price-rise checker

It's in your contract, so check it before you switch. Ofcom says mobile providers can't charge for notice that runs after the switch date when you use a PAC or STAC, and under One Touch Switch broadband and landline customers don't pay notice charges beyond the switch date.

Sources: Ofcom: contracts · Ofcom: switching mobile · Ofcom: One Touch Switch · Switching checklists

They're what you pay to leave before your minimum term ends. Ofcom says they could be substantial, and that a provider's exit conditions shouldn't make switching harder, for example through excessive charges. When you ask for a PAC, your mobile provider must tell you what you'd pay to leave early.

Sources: Ofcom: contracts · Ofcom: switching mobile · Renewal reminders and out-of-contract check

Ask your provider, or check its website or app. Ofcom says providers often put the monthly price up when your contract ends, so it's worth checking and shopping around. Our out-of-contract check works it out from your start date and term.

Source: Ofcom: in or out of contract · Renewal reminders and out-of-contract check

Ofcom says providers must send an end-of-contract notice 10 to 40 days before the end, with the date, the price afterwards and their best deals. Ofcom's page is written for home customers, so ask whether your business account gets these, and set your own reminder too.

Source: Ofcom: in or out of contract · Renewal reminders and out-of-contract check

Ofcom says that if you have 10 or fewer staff, your landline and broadband provider can't renew your contract automatically: it needs your consent for each new minimum period. Larger businesses should check their terms, as automatic renewal is allowed for them.

Source: Ofcom: contracts · Renewal reminders and out-of-contract check

If you have 10 or fewer staff, Ofcom says you must get a contract summary before you sign, your contract shouldn't be longer than 24 months or extended when you add services unless you agree, and landline and broadband contracts can't renew automatically. You can also use a free ADR scheme if a complaint isn't resolved.

Sources: Ofcom: contracts · Ofcom: complaints and ADR · Renewal reminders and out-of-contract check

It's a short written summary you get before you agree: one page, or three for bundles. Ofcom says small businesses with 10 or fewer staff must get one, covering key facts such as charges, contract length and how to cancel, and then fuller contract information before they're bound.

Source: Ofcom: contracts · Renewal reminders and out-of-contract check

For businesses with 10 or fewer staff, Ofcom says a contract shouldn't be longer than 24 months unless you agree. Some business broadband deals we list are 36 months (BT Business and Vodafone Business on 5 November), so check the term before you sign.

Sources: Ofcom: contracts · BT Business · Compare business broadband

Ofcom says every business can ask for clear information on any limits on the service, minimum service quality, customer service and maintenance, contract length and renewal, and any charges for ending the contract, including early termination charges.

Source: Ofcom: contracts · Switching checklists

Count everyone who needs a number, plus any device with its own SIM. Some deals depend on the count: Three Business offered 3 unlimited SIMs at £18.17 each ex VAT when we checked on 5 November, and O2 Business's sharer tariffs, for 10 or more employees, let you add or remove connections. Our line calculator suggests a size from what you use.

Sources: Three Business · O2 Business sharer tariffs · Line calculator

Some networks offer shared data for teams. O2 Business says its sharer tariffs let you share a pot of data between your people, roll over unused data and add or remove connections. O2 aims these at businesses with 10 or more employees, so you'd call them for a price.

Source: O2 Business sharer tariffs · Line calculator

Get a PAC from your current network. For one number, text PAC to 65075. For 2 to 24 numbers, ask online or by phone; for more than 24, contact your provider. A PAC lasts 30 days, and Ofcom says the number should normally move within one working day of giving it to the new network.

Source: Ofcom: switching mobile · Switching checklists

A STAC. For one number, text STAC to 75075. For 2 to 24 numbers, ask online or by phone. Your new network uses it so you're not charged twice for notice after the switch date.

Source: Ofcom: switching mobile · Switching checklists

Ofcom says that if a switch takes more than one working day, or a provider abuses the process, you're entitled to reasonable compensation, and providers must tell you how to get it.

Source: Ofcom: switching mobile · Switching checklists

Ofcom says you can ask a new provider to bring your old number across for free even after cancelling, as long as you ask within one month of cancelling.

Source: Ofcom: switching mobile · Switching checklists

Often, yes. EE Business, for example, says most newer Apple, Google and Samsung phones work with eSIM, small business customers can order one online, in the EE app, My EE, a store or by calling 150, and you can convert a SIM card to an eSIM in the phone's settings. Ask your network how it issues eSIMs.

Source: EE Business help · Compare business SIMs

If you're VAT-registered, you can usually reclaim VAT on things you buy for the business. If a phone is also used personally, GOV.UK says you can only claim the business share: if half your calls are personal, you reclaim 50% of the VAT on the phone and the plan. Keep records of how you worked it out. The standard rate is 20%.

Sources: GOV.UK: reclaiming VAT · GOV.UK: VAT rates · Compare business SIMs

Either can work, so compare like for like. Business networks quote prices before VAT (O2 Business says all its prices exclude VAT at 20%), so if you're not VAT-registered, compare their inc-VAT price with personal plans. On a business contract, Ofcom's protections for firms with 10 or fewer staff still apply.

Sources: O2 Business · Ofcom: contracts · Guide: moving to a business plan

It depends on the plan. When we checked on 5 November, O2 Business Classic plans included EU roaming up to 25GB, EE Business Essential plans charged £2.38 a day, and Mozillion's business plans included EU roaming in 41 countries. Check the roaming terms before staff travel.

Sources: O2 Business · EE Business · AdMozillion business · Compare business SIMs

On most network plans, yes, by a set amount. On 5 November O2 Business said £1.50 a month from 1 April, EE Business £2.08 on 31 March and Vodafone Business about £2.08 from 1 April (ex VAT). Mozillion's business page says its plans have no mid-contract price rises.

Sources: O2 Business · EE Business · Vodafone Business · AdMozillion business · Price-rise checker

Business packages may come with a service level agreement (SLA) on things like fault repair times, which Ofcom says only half of SMEs know about. Some include a static IP: Virgin Media Business's Voom 600 includes one, Voom 200 doesn't. Business prices are usually shown before VAT.

Sources: Ofcom: contracts · Virgin Media Business · Compare business broadband

Only if something needs a fixed internet address, such as some remote access, VPN or CCTV set-ups. Ask whoever set those up. Some packages include one: on 5 November Virgin Media Business said Voom 600 includes 1 static IP and Voom 200 has a dynamic IP.

Source: Virgin Media Business · Compare business broadband

A service level agreement sets out the service you'll get and how problems are fixed. Ofcom says an SLA may cover fault repair and installation times, how fast complaints are handled and the maximum days without service, and often comes with compensation if it isn't met. If downtime would cost you money, ask about it.

Source: Ofcom: contracts · Compare business broadband

Yes, some providers sell it. On 5 November BT Business showed Hybrid Connect (4G back-up) at £8 a month extra on Essential, and Virgin Media Business offered a phone line, 4G back-up and internet security for £10 a month extra on Voom (both ex VAT). Openreach also suggests mobile back-up and battery back-up for critical systems.

Sources: BT Business · Virgin Media Business · Openreach guide for small businesses · Compare business broadband

It can be, if signal is good where you are. On 5 November Three Business listed 5G Business Broadband from £14 a month on 24 months, rising to £15.60 from April 2027 and £17.20 from April 2028, with unlimited data. It's wireless, not a fixed line, so check coverage at your address first.

Source: Three Business · Compare business broadband

It's a dedicated fibre connection into your building that isn't shared with anyone else. Openreach says its Ethernet leased lines give equal upload and download speeds and a business-grade repair target, typically five hours or less depending on the provider. They suit firms that depend on heavy data or business-critical connections. We don't compare leased line prices yet.

Source: Openreach Ethernet fact sheet · Compare business broadband

Under Ofcom's One Touch Switch, broadband and landline customers only contact the new provider, who arranges the move. You don't pay notice charges beyond the switch date, and providers must compensate you if you're left without service for more than one working day. Ask both providers whether it applies to your business account.

Source: Ofcom: One Touch Switch · Switching checklists

Full fibre runs fibre all the way to your building; part fibre runs fibre to the street cabinet, then copper. Openreach says full fibre gives equal upload and download speeds and is available to more than 23 million homes and businesses. Check what's available at your address.

Sources: Openreach for businesses · Openreach · Plusnet · Compare business broadband

Contact your provider's customer services first, then make a formal complaint if that doesn't fix it. If it's still unresolved after six weeks, or you get a deadlock letter, Ofcom says small businesses with up to 10 employees can take it to a free ADR scheme. Disputed bill charges are one of the things they look at.

Source: Ofcom: complaints and ADR · Bill checker

Ofcom approves two schemes. CISAS covers O2, Sky, TalkTalk, Three, Virgin Media and Vodafone, among others. Communications Ombudsman covers BT, EE, giffgaff, iD Mobile, Lebara, Plusnet, Tesco Mobile, Utility Warehouse and Lyca Mobile. If yours isn't listed, ask the schemes.

Source: Ofcom: complaints and ADR · Bill checker

It's your provider's final answer saying it won't do any more on your complaint. Communications Ombudsman says it lets you go to the ombudsman without waiting the usual six weeks, and you must do so within 12 months of getting it. Ofcom says you can ask for one.

Sources: Communications Ombudsman · Ofcom: complaints and ADR · Bill checker

Ofcom says ADR is free for small businesses with up to 10 employees and not-for-profits where up to 10 people work. Communications Ombudsman describes eligible micro-businesses as having fewer than 10 employees and turnover up to £1.7 million, so check its terms if you're near the limit.

Sources: Ofcom: complaints and ADR · Communications Ombudsman · Bill checker

List them, then ask your provider what each one is and when its minimum term ends. Ofcom says leaving before the end of a minimum term can mean early termination charges, so get the figure in writing. Our bill checker builds the list of questions for you.

Source: Ofcom: contracts · Bill checker

Ofcom lists charges to watch for: extra parts of the service, leaving early, paper billing, roaming, and not giving enough notice when you cancel or switch. Check each line on your bill against your contract.

Source: Ofcom: contracts · Bill checker

Ofcom says providers must have an easy-to-find complaints code with a phone number, postal address and email or webform, the steps they'll take and how long, and what you can do if you're unhappy, including ADR. They must act promptly and tell you the outcome.

Source: Ofcom: complaints and ADR · Bill checker