For many coworking operators, analog landlines feel like a relic from another era. Members communicate through Teams, Zoom, Slack, and mobile devices. Reception desks increasingly rely on cloud-based systems. And yet, hidden throughout many buildings are critical services that still depend on an ageing analog phone network.
In the U.K., that network is about to disappear.
By January 2027, the U.K.’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) — the copper-wire infrastructure that has carried telephone calls for decades — will be permanently switched off. Telecommunications providers have already stopped offering new PSTN connections, and businesses are now being moved to digital, internet-based alternatives.
For coworking operators, the transition could affect everything from access systems and payment terminals to emergency lift communications and building alarms.
The End of the U.K.’s Analog Network
The PSTN has served as the backbone of British telecommunications for generations, carrying voice calls over copper telephone lines.
That infrastructure is now reaching the end of its life. Maintaining ageing copper networks has become increasingly expensive, while modern internet-based communications systems offer greater flexibility, resilience, and functionality.
As a result, telecommunications providers across the U.K. are migrating customers to Internet Protocol (IP) services, where voice calls are delivered over broadband connections rather than traditional phone lines.
The transition is already underway, and by the end of January 2027 all PSTN services will be withdrawn.
For many businesses, the assumption is that this simply means switching to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones. The reality can be far more complicated.
The Hidden Risks Inside Coworking Buildings
Many flexible workspaces have already embraced digital communication tools. However, older buildings — and even some recently renovated properties — may still contain systems that quietly rely on analog lines.
The challenge is that operators often don’t discover these dependencies until something stops working.
Among the systems commonly connected to PSTN lines are:
- Lift emergency phones
- Entry and intercom systems
- Burglar alarms
- Fire alarm monitoring systems
- Payment terminals
- Legacy broadband connections
- Fax machines and specialist equipment
In a traditional office, these systems might be managed by a landlord or facilities team. In coworking environments, responsibility can be less clear, particularly in managed buildings or multi-tenant properties.
That ambiguity creates risk.
A lift emergency phone that loses connectivity can become a health and safety issue. Alarm systems that fail to communicate with monitoring services could leave buildings vulnerable. Payment terminals that depend on legacy connections may stop processing transactions.
For operators focused on occupancy, community, and member experience, these infrastructure issues can easily fall below the radar until they become urgent.
Why Coworking Operators Should Act Early
Although the final switch-off is scheduled for 2027, waiting until the deadline approaches could create unnecessary disruption.
The migration requires more than swapping hardware; operators may need to coordinate with landlords, telecommunications providers, internet service providers, security contractors, and lift maintenance companies.
Some regions are already progressing through earlier phases of the transition, meaning certain businesses may face deadlines ahead of the national cut-off.
Demand for upgrades is also expected to increase as the deadline approaches, potentially creating installation delays and resource shortages.
For coworking spaces, where connectivity is a core service offering, avoiding last-minute surprises is critical.
An Opportunity to Modernize Workplace Infrastructure
For many operators, the switch-off presents an opportunity to modernize communications infrastructure at the same time.
Digital systems can provide features that analogue networks never could, including:
- Unified communications platforms
- Mobile and desktop calling
- Video conferencing integration
- Remote management capabilities
- Improved disaster recovery
- Greater flexibility for hybrid teams
As coworking providers increasingly compete on technology, member experience, and operational efficiency, modern communications infrastructure is becoming part of the overall workplace offering rather than simply a back-office necessity.
What Coworking Spaces Should Do Next
The first step is conducting a comprehensive audit of every system within the building that may rely on a traditional phone line.
Operators should identify:
- Active analogue phone lines
- Lift and emergency communication systems
- Alarm and monitoring services
- Access control and intercom systems
- Payment terminals
- Legacy broadband services
Once those dependencies are mapped, operators can work with providers to develop a migration plan well ahead of the 2027 deadline.
The biggest risk may not be the systems everyone knows about. It’s the forgotten analog connection tucked away in a comms cupboard, lift shaft, or security panel that nobody remembers until it stops working.
