This is an essential step. The PSTN was designed for a different era and has become increasingly difficult to maintain. It can no longer support the connectivity, resilience or functionality that modern organisations – and critical national infrastructure (CNI) providers in particular – rely on today.

Delivering the network investment needed for the All-IP transition

Over many years, BT has invested billions of pounds in UK digital infrastructure, including nationwide full-fibre networks, to enable the move away from analogue technology and support next-generation connectivity and services.

These full-fibre, fully digital networks are built for speed, resilience and flexibility. They enable capabilities that legacy analogue systems simply cannot support and provide the robustness required by CNI sectors and essential public services. Crucially, this investment means the UK now has the digital foundations in place to complete the transition away from the PSTN safely and securely. It is also what allows BT to take a more proactive role as the switch-over approaches.

Stepping up our proactive support through protective migrations

As we move into the final stretch, our focus is on completing the transition for business customers who are still using PSTN-based services.

BT Business has already migrated the majority of business customers away from legacy platforms. As of January 2026, around 80% of our voice customers have moved to All-IP services. This represents significant progress, but thousands of organisations still rely on Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) and other PSTN-based services.

Where it is possible to do so, we are now carrying out protective migrations. This means proactively upgrading many remaining organisations and automatically moving their analogue services onto a digital solution. This helps ensure continuity of key services as the switch-over date approaches. In many cases, these upgrades can be completed with minimal disruption, and customers who can go through this process are now being notified.

Why customer engagement is important 

However, protective migration is not suitable for every service or every organisation. That is why customer engagement remains essential.

Some services cannot be upgraded automatically and in other cases customers need to be involved to agree timings, test new solutions or confirm how services are used within their organisation.

Engagement remains vital for ensuring continuity of services and will make the process smoother and safer. It gives our business customers greater visibility of what is changing, more control over how the transition is completed, and time to address any complexities specific to their business.

Protecting critical national infrastructure

As a CNI provider ourselves, we understand how vital resilient connectivity is to the delivery of essential services across the UK.                                                                                                                

We fully recognise the importance of upgrading critical services, and strong progress has already been made across sectors such as local and central government, emergency services and utilities. Overall volumes of CNI WLR services have reduced significantly, with the water sector and government bodies seeing reductions of around 50% over the past year.

Our priority is to ensure that CNI services are protected during the PSTN switch-over. That’s why as well as offering protective migrations and dedicated support teams, we also plan to provide a limited voice service for lines still in place for CNI customers after January 2027.

However, this will have very basic functionality that enables voice calls only, and isn’t a long-term solution, which underlines the importance of continued engagement across CNI organisations.

Completing the transition

To remain secure, resilient and future-ready, we’re urging all organisations to make the move to digital, IP-based networks by January 2027. We’re in the final stretch of a transition that is essential to maintaining continuity of service and to supporting the UK’s long-term connectivity.

We’re stepping in with protective migrations where we can, but we need customers to engage with us to ensure continuity of their services. Acting early reduces risk, avoids last-minute disruption and ensures the transition can be completed safely and on time. In all cases, we’ll explain what will change, outline available options and support customers in moving to replacement technologies ahead of the deadline.

If you have not upgraded yet, or you are unsure which services your organisation relies on, now is the time to check. You can contact BT on 0800 023 2698 for dedicated support, or visit https://business.bt.com/insights/what-is-ip-technology for more information.

BT will provide 23,000 mobile connections across EE’s award-winning network supporting easyJet’s operations in 35 countries and over 150 airports, from Gatwick to Gran Canaria.

The airline provider will use the EE network to connect a range of devices and will enable all pilots and cabin crew to seamlessly access flight information and real-time training on the go.

BT will also support easyJet to: 

• Deliver smart messaging to keep customers updated on their flight

• Connect iPads that pilots and crew use to provide real-time flight information

• Connect smartphones, mobile phones and aircraft phones to allow seamless communication between airline colleagues

• Provide laptops and other hardware for workers.

All devices will be equipped with eSIMs, offering a smarter, more efficient way to manage mobile connectivity.

eSIMs enable remote setup, enhance security, reduce costs, and simplify logistics—supporting global operations while reducing waste and improving user experience.

Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer at BT Business, said: “This partnership with easyJet is about delivering the smart, seamless connectivity which is crucial when operating at scale.

“By equipping thousands of devices with eSIMs on EE’s award-winning network, we’re enabling easyJet to manage connections remotely, switch networks across borders, and reduce the complexity of traditional SIMs.

“It’s a future-ready solution that enhances security, boosts efficiency, and keeps teams connected when they need it most.”

As part of a multi-million pound partnership, BT and Atos today launch Digital Vision — a new computer vision solution that will help revolutionise industries, including manufacturing and logistics among others.

Computer vision is a field of artificial intelligence (AI) that enables computers and systems to interpret information from digital images, videos and other visual feeds (including live video streams from a fixed camera or a moving drone) and take automated actions or make recommendations based on the information.

It will combine BT’s leading digital connectivity with Atos’s Computer Vision Platform, a scalable end-to-end solution, providing pre-trained & customizable AI models developed by more than 300 computer vision experts in labs around the world.​

AI video and image analysis is used industry-wide in applications such as transport safety and traffic monitoring, quality control in manufacturing, and location tracking. The joint BT-Atos solution will improve security and monitoring for customers by enabling effective, real-time use of video and image data.

Digital Vision will use BT’s 5G/FTTx multi-access connectivity and edge computing. This ensures business customers receive a scalable, ready-to-deploy service with round-the-clock support and expertise.

The partnership comes after BT recently announced it was investing almost £100 million over the next three years in its ‘Division X’ unit to accelerate the development of customer solutions which integrate emerging technologies like 5G, IoT, Edge Compute, Cloud and AI.

Marc Overton, Managing Director for Division X, part of BT’s Enterprise unit, said: “This partnership with Atos gives us access to the Computer Vision market for the first time, providing us the opportunity to play an even bigger role in the digital transformation of businesses around the world.

“Working together, we have been able to combine our skillsets to create an innovative platform that provides a host of potential use cases for facilities such as smart ports and transport hubs, to retail and fuel forecourts, to manufacturers. Utilising cutting edge technologies such as 5G, AI and edge computing, this new platform is linked to our wide partnership with Atos and we see huge potential for growth in this space over the next few years. 

“Not only will businesses be able to better leverage their video stream data, improve their operational efficiency and enhance their monitoring, but they will also be able to mitigate risk, increase revenue through data monetisation, unlock new applications and open new channels to market.”

Jean-Claude Geha, Global Head of Telecom, Media & Technology at Atos commented: “As our clients are going through their digital transformation, they need the right and best digital services to accelerate the next step of their journey. As a global leader in digital transformation, Atos plays an essential role in co-developing innovative use cases with CSP (Communications Services Provider) for real-time businesses, thanks to its extensive knowledge of Edge and AI technologies and its deep expertise in system integration. We are excited to work, once again, with BT to unlock new capabilities for the Enterprise market where BT is seeking to offer much needed Vertical Digital use cases to increase efficiency, boost productivity, and to improve business opportunities and customer experience.”

BT and Atos have a long-standing relationship with a major outsourcing agreement signed in 2013 and extended in March 2022 until 2026. BT provides Atos with network and communication services to connect its own operations as well as network infrastructure and service to support its customers. Earlier this year, the companies expanded their relationship to co-develop solutions with a focus on sustainability that will combine BT’s capabilities in secure connectivity and infrastructure, including private 5G and edge computing, with Atos’ digital expertise in sectors such as manufacturing.

BT today announced a new partnership network for the UK’s smallest firms, with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) the first to sign up as launch partner. The new partnership network – specifically designed for micro-businesses with 0-5 employees – will deliver a host of extra benefits to customers across broadband, mobile, connected devices, and digital marketing, plus other forms of support aimed at helping businesses grow.

BT has partnered with FSB - the UK’s largest organisation dedicated to championing the needs of small firms - to give its members access to an extended promotional offer around its Digital Marketing Hub. From today, FSB members can claim up to £250 towards running their own social media and digital advertising campaigns through BT’s Digital Marketing Hub, an easy-to-use tool which enables small firms to advertise their products and services online.[1]

This new digital platform allows businesses to quickly create, send and measure digital marketing campaigns across social media platforms, using built in AI tech to drive the best results for their business.

To help its customers create new opportunities and make the running of their business easier, BT is also offering its smallest business customers a 15 per cent discount on FSB membership for 12 months when they join before 30 September.[2] This will give them access to a wide range of vital support services, including legal and HR advice, financial products and health and wellbeing support.

Chris Sims, BT’s MD for SoHo (Small Office/Home Office) said: “Today’s launch of our new partnership network for the UK’s smallest firms marks the latest phase in our ongoing mission to support the growth of small businesses. We share this vision with FSB, so we’re excited to partner together to spearhead the launch of our new network to deliver reciprocal benefits to their members and BT customers. Our new partnership network will make our technology, skills and expertise even more accessible for small businesses, while making it easier for them do business and grow in an increasingly sophisticated world. We look forward to adding more partners to our network over the coming weeks.”

Caroline Lavelle, FSB’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We’re delighted to partner with BT on this initiative to give our members an opportunity to further their digital marketing reach. FSB has said before that it is important that big tech companies play a role in supporting our smaller businesses in improving their digital capabilities and it’s good that BT is taking a lead in this. The partnership will also encourage more small businesses to reap the benefits of FSB membership.”

BT’s new partnership network for the UK’s smallest firms will expand over the coming weeks and months. Starting with FSB, the new scheme will see BT forging mutually beneficial partnerships with a number of like-minded organisations across a range of sectors, including retail, banking, finance and membership bodies, to bring value-added benefits to its smallest customers.

The launch of the new partnership network forms part of BT’s recently announced  Enterprise Customer Charter. The new charter is made up of a range of new initiatives from BT aimed at boosting the growth of UK businesses and the public sector and includes a pledge around delivering standout customer experiences.

Notes to editors:

·         To access the BT Digital Marketing Hub offer, FSB members should quote code FSB150 when setting up their online account for BT’s Digital Marketing Hub or by calling 0800 916 0882

·         BT business customers wanting to access the FSB membership offer should quote code BT15 when applying for their membership online, or by calling the FSB team on 0808 164 2799

[1] Available until 30 September 2022 to FSB members who are new BT Digital Marketing Hub customers. To be eligible for the offer, they must also create a Digital Marketing Hub Account; create and book a campaign by 30 September 2022;

and have been provided with a voucher. The offer is only applicable to the customer’s first campaign booked on the BT Digital Marketing Hub. The campaign must run for no longer than 30 days in total.

[2] FSB Membership starts from £147 per annum with a £30 registration fee in the first year. This rate is applicable to businesses

with no employees. Rates increase depending on your number of employees. Full rates payable for future years’ membership.

BT today unveiled a new Charter for its 1.2 million UK business and public sector customers, providing a blueprint for BT to accelerate a range of initiatives aimed at boosting  the growth of UKplc.

The Charter consists of a new set of commitments from BT to provide its Enterprise customers with a springboard for growth - delivered through a greater focus on innovation, world-class cyber security, a new suite of digital services, customer service improvements and purpose-driven goals. The new commitments outlined today include the following highlights, with the full details of the Charter available here.

• Investing almost £100 million over the next three years in BT’s ‘Division X’ unit within Enterprise - to accelerate the development of customer solutions which integrate emerging technologies like 5G, IoT, Edge Compute, Cloud and AI. These new solutions will transform and modernise key industries like manufacturing, health, port operations, transport and logistics, driving positive business outcomes and fuelling the UK economy.
• Launching sophisticated cyber defence and assessment tools which are not currently offered by other UK network providers - starting with its Safe Security cyber health check tool which is available to larger UK corporate and public sector customers today, with smaller customers set to benefit over time. 
• Developing inclusive tech to boost broadband speeds for small firms not yet served by fibre broadband. BT will launch the first service in the UK which fuses fixed and 4G speeds together to uplift broadband speeds for thousands of small firms currently using copper lines.
• Delivering the fastest installation and repair times in the industry for ultrafast business (or Ethernet) connections - which underpin the operations of mid to large corporates and public sector bodies.
• Forming a new partnership network for small firms - giving customers access to exclusive offers across broadband, mobile, digital marketing and connected devices, plus other benefits, with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) confirmed as BT’s first launch partner.
• Pioneering a new suite of smart business tools which combine the best of BT and EE to make it easier for small businesses to run and grow their business. This new portfolio will build on the recent launch of BT’s Digital Marketing Hub – the new all-in-one advertising platform which gives small firms all the tools and support they need to reach millions of potential new customers.
• Stepping up its free digital skills programme to reach a further 350,000 small business and their employees by the end of March 2023.
• Accelerating sustainable initiatives to support customers’ Net Zero journeys – including the removal of all single use plastics and using recycled materials for new BT business product packaging and devices by the end of March 2023.

Rob Shuter, CEO of Enterprise, BT Group, said: “Right now, our key industries are on the cusp of a technological revolution as the UK prepares to make the large-scale switch from analogue to fully digital ways of working. Only businesses which make the leap will succeed and stay competitive - our role is to help them navigate that journey.

“It’s an ideal time for us to set out why BT really means business. Our new Charter reflects the priorities that our 1.2m business and public customers expect to see from BT. We’ve listened to their feedback and based our Charter on four key promises – that we’ll lead the way in innovation; we’ll be trusted experts in our fields; we’ll be easier to do business with; and we’ll continue to put purpose at the heart of our business.”

The Charter reflects four key priorities for BT over the next financial year and beyond, to better serve the needs of its UK customers - spanning sole-traders, start-ups, SMEs, corporates, public sector bodies and communications providers:

Innovation: BT will fast track technology innovation across the UK – so that businesses, communities and the UK economy can flourish.

Expertise: BT will use its expertise to take businesses into the digital fast lane and soup up security – like no other provider.

Easy to do business with: BT will deliver standout customer experiences – making it easier to do business with.

Purpose-driven: BT will use its responsible, inclusive and sustainable tech to Connect for Good – and will help its customers do the same.

The launch of today’s Charter coincides with a fresh chapter in the evolution of BT’s Group’s brand strategy, with BT being positioned as the Group’s flagship brand for business and public sector customers in the UK and globally. A multi-million pound UK TV and out-of-home advertising campaign kickstarts this week to signal the beginning of this transformation, using the creative strapline, ‘BT Means Business.’

BT unveiled the details of its new Charter at an event today to mark the opening of its new ‘Aurora’ customer innovation showcase at its global headquarters in London. The new facility spotlights BT’s latest R&D around Enterprise solutions incorporating digital components like 5G, IoT, robotics, and AI – and how these can be applied across key industries like Healthcare, Manufacturing and Smart Cities.