Business telecoms
Business phone systems and VoIP in Shropshire
Traditional phone lines are being retired across the UK, so many Shropshire businesses will move their calls to an internet-based (VoIP) phone service in the next year or so, whether or not they planned to.
Done well, it is also a chance to fix the things that annoy customers: calls that ring out when you are on site, no voicemail to email, or one number that only works from one desk.
Who wrote this: the Shropshire Pages team. Compare The Networks is run by Xtra Phones UK Ltd, the same Shropshire team that runs Shropshire Pages. It is not an independent comparison, so weigh our suggestions accordingly.
What the 2027 switch-off means for your business
Openreach says that on 31 January 2027 all traditional phone lines will be going digital. Anything that still relies on an analogue line, such as a phone system, alarm, card machine, lift phone or door entry system, needs checking with your provider before then. Openreach also says that lines not moved by then may be put on a temporary emergency voice-only service that may not support the features you use today.
ISDN lines and older on-site phone systems usually rely on the same legacy network, so ask your provider how your particular lines and system are affected.
Equipment to check before you switch
Make a list of everything connected to a phone line, not just the phones. Common items include:
- Intruder and fire alarms, and any monitoring contract that dials out.
- Card payment terminals that use a phone line rather than broadband or mobile data.
- Lift emergency phones and door entry systems.
- Franking machines, fax machines and older CCTV recorders.
- Telecare or health monitoring devices used by staff or residents.
Keeping your business number
Your existing number can usually move with you. The new provider normally handles the transfer (called porting) and will ask for recent bill details for the line.
Do not cancel your old line before the number has moved, as cancelling first can lose the number. Ask for a porting date in writing and plan a quiet time of day for the switch.
What a cloud phone system can do
Because the calls run over your internet connection, check that your broadband is reliable enough, and consider a backup connection if phones are central to your business.
- Ring the business number on desk phones, mobiles and laptops at the same time, or in turn.
- Send calls to a mobile or another site automatically out of hours, or if the office is closed at short notice.
- Voicemail to email, call recording and simple menus such as "press 1 for bookings".
- Add or remove users without new wiring when staff join or leave.
Questions to ask any phone system provider
- How long is the contract, and are handsets rented, bought or financed separately?
- Is there a separate agreement for equipment, and does it end at the same time as the service?
- What happens to my number if I leave?
- How are calls to mobiles and international numbers charged?
- Who sets the system up, and who do I call if calls stop working?
Common questions
Can I keep my business phone number when I move to VoIP?
Usually, yes. The new provider normally handles the number transfer. Keep the old line active until the number has moved, because cancelling it first can lose the number.
Do I need new handsets?
Not always. Some older handsets can be connected with an adapter, and many cloud systems work through a mobile or computer app. Ask what is included and whether any equipment is on a separate finance agreement.
What happens if my broadband goes down?
A cloud phone system can usually divert calls to mobiles automatically if the office connection fails. Ask your provider how this is set up, and consider a backup connection for the office.
Is there a deadline for moving off my old phone line?
Openreach says that on 31 January 2027 all traditional phone lines will be going digital. Speak to your provider well before then so the move is planned, not rushed.
Dates and rules on this page were checked on 27 September 2026. Providers and regulators update their guidance, so confirm anything important with your provider before you act on it.