Preparing for UK PSTN switch off with mobile centric setups

The retirement of the UK’s legacy landline network is accelerating the shift to all‑IP and mobile‑first communications. For small and medium businesses, this is less about replacing a handset and more about rethinking voice as a service that follows people, not desks. A mobile‑centric setup can preserve your geographic numbers, improve availability with 4G and 5G, and integrate with collaboration tools while staying compliant with emergency calling rules.

Business phone solutions: choosing mobile for SMBs

Selecting plans should start with an audit of users, numbers, and sites. Map the lines that must be ported, the call flows you depend on, and any compliance needs such as call recording. For most firms, a blended approach works well: SIM‑only contracts for staff, a cloud PBX or UCaaS for numbering and features, and softphone apps on mobiles for seamless work across office and field.

Within this business phone solutions landscape, a practical guide to choosing mobile packages for SMBs includes checking data allowances, 5G availability in your area, Wi‑Fi calling support for indoor coverage, and international or EU roaming needs. Look for shared data pools for teams, eSIM support for dual‑profile devices, and service level terms that match your operating hours. Ensure the provider supports number porting from PSTN or can host geographic numbers that ring directly on mobiles via apps or fixed‑mobile convergence.

Beyond retail: business mobile explained

Beyond retail tariffs, understanding business mobile phone services is about the controls and integrations that consumer plans usually lack. Business plans often add multi‑user account management, pooled minutes and data, priority repair, and options for mobile device management. Fixed‑mobile convergence can bridge desk and mobile identities so calls to a company number reach a user’s mobile natively or through a managed app with presence, ring groups, and auto‑attendant.

Resilience matters as the PSTN switch off proceeds. Pair mobile voice with IP connectivity that does not depend on copper lines scheduled for retirement. Where fibre is unavailable, 4G or 5G routers can deliver primary or backup connectivity. Register emergency location details for VoIP services, and maintain alternative contact paths for power cuts. For regulated industries, confirm encryption, retention policies, and audit trails for recordings.

Are foldable phones right for business?

Foldable devices can help field staff, creatives, and executives who benefit from larger on‑device screens for documents, split‑screen apps, and video meetings. They may reduce the need for carrying tablets, and with stylus support they can streamline approvals and annotations. However, total cost of ownership is influenced by durability, protective cases, and care plans, so compare foldables with standard flagships and ruggedised models before committing.

When comparing corporate device options, evaluate lifecycle, repair logistics, and accessories such as desktop docks or external keyboards. Prioritise security features like hardware‑rooted cryptography, regular OS updates, biometric authentication, and compatibility with your MDM stack. Dual‑SIM or eSIM helps separate business and personal profiles, while battery capacity and fast charging affect day‑long calling and conferencing.

Getting from copper to mobile‑centric Create a migration plan with milestones: stop‑sell checks on any remaining copper lines, number porting to a cloud provider, user testing on softphones, and staged rollouts. Update call flows, hunt groups, and hours to reflect mobile availability. Train staff on voicemail‑to‑email, presence, and transferring from a mobile app. Document failover, including how calls route during outages and how frontline teams escalate issues.

Cost and provider comparison for mobile‑centric setups UK pricing varies by contract length, features, and promotions, but typical small business budgets combine SIM‑only plans with a cloud telephony seat per user. Expect broad ranges for unlimited‑minute SIMs and UCaaS seats, with discounts for longer terms or higher volumes. The table below outlines well‑known options and indicative monthly costs.

Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.

To refine budgets, total the number of users who need UCaaS features versus those who only need mobile minutes and data. Add costs for number porting, call recording, international add‑ons, and device care. Review contract exit terms in case connectivity improves at your site, making fibre or a different mobile option more suitable during the term.

Conclusion A mobile‑centric approach to the UK’s PSTN switch off replaces fixed desks with flexible identities that move with your people. By pairing business mobile tariffs with a cloud telephony platform, you can preserve geographic numbers, sustain operations during outages, and standardise security and compliance. Careful planning around devices, connectivity, and realistic budgets will help you transition smoothly and maintain reliable communications across the organisation.