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PSTN switch-off is ‘elephant in the room’ for SMBs, Spitfire says

According to a new survey from Spitfire Network Services, 72 per cent of UK SMBs still don’t consider the PSTN switch off a high business priority.

The ‘Switch Off Hesitancy’ survey surveyed 400 UK-based SMBs, and found that additionally, 42 per cent of businesses aren’t aware of the switch off and the impact that delaying a switch to IP could have on their business operations.

The goal of the survey was to better understand the plans of business leaders for the switch off of all legacy analogue and ISDN telephone networks in the UK. With the 2025 deadline fast approaching, business leaders have been warned about how a lack of action or delay in making the switchover could cause major business disruption.

Dom Norton, sales director at Spitfire Network Services Ltd commented: “It has been very interesting to understand where SMBs are regarding the switch off - their thoughts, plans and reasoning behind their actions.

“We have really been engaging with customers and prospects to offer guidance around the switch off because we know the impact inaction could have. Businesses could quite literally be cut off.

“To see that a significant number of business leaders are yet to consider the switch off as a high priority is concerning. Clearly more needs to be done to make leaders aware of their need to act.”

Harry Bowlby, managing director at Spitfire Network Services Ltd described the switch-off as the ‘large telecoms elephant in the room’ for the SMB sector.

“Our advice is don’t let the switch-off creep up on you and leave your business exposed – make the smart move and get the ball rolling today,” he concluded.