The UK’s landline switch-off means more than replacing the main phone system. As analogue PSTN and ISDN services are phased out, schools and trusts need to understand where older copper lines are still in use across the site. In many cases, these lines may support alarms, lift phones, intercoms, gates, door entry systems or other operational services.

A practical review now can help identify which connections are still analogue, which services are critical, and which changes need to be planned before January 2027. This is especially important where legacy lines support safety, safeguarding, access or business continuity.

For MATs, the challenge is often inconsistent records and infrastructure across different schools. A trust-wide view makes it easier to prioritise risk, align budgets and plan procurement without each school having to solve the same issue in isolation.