BT Calls on UK Manufacturers to Finally Cut the Copper

New research from a leading telecoms provider has highlighted a significant challenge facing small and medium-sized manufacturers in the UK.

Despite the rapid advancement of digital technologies, one in five SMEs still consider themselves “analogue businesses.”

These SME's represent a substantial portion of the nation's 270,000 manufacturers, who continue to rely on manual processes like paper-based record-keeping, fax machines and traditional copper landlines.

"Small businesses are the engine of the UK economy, but to reach their full growth potential entrepreneurs need to embrace digital opportunities as much as possible," says Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder, Small Business Britain. 

"We see a huge appetite among UK business owners to embrace technology and build digital skills – particularly since the pandemic when growing this capability helped many to adapt and survive. 

"However, business owners also need support to make these transitions – which is why we highly value our ongoing partnership with BT to help small businesses on their digital journey so they can face the future with confidence." 

With the UK’s historic copper telephone network approaching the end of its life, those still dependent on analogue landlines are facing an increasing risk of service disruptions.

According to Ofcom, incidents on the ageing Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) rose by 45% in the last year alone.

This has significant implications not only for phone and broadband services but for critical business equipment such as payment machines and security systems that are connected to outdated infrastructure.

BT is urging businesses still using analogue landlines to switch to digital by the end of 2025, well ahead of the full retirement of the copper network in January 2027.

This transition is part of an industry-wide shift to more reliable, high-speed digital infrastructure such as full-fibre broadband and internet-based communication systems.

Delaying the switch could result in increasing service outages, reduced productivity and missed opportunities for digital innovation.

The digital divide in manufacturing

A national survey conducted by BT found that while 80% of SMEs that have invested in new technology report gaining a competitive edge, a worrying 22% still define themselves as “analogue.”

Many of these businesses continue to rely on physical filing systems, paper contracts and legacy telecommunications technology such as fax machines. While such tools were once indispensable, they are now a liability in a digital-first economy.

The study also provides insight into how businesses have historically adapted to technological advancements.

One in seven small business leaders admitted they were initially resistant to embracing the internet in the 1990s, while nearly one in five hesitated to adopt social media a decade later.

This pattern of reluctance highlights the risk that some manufacturers may, once again, delay necessary upgrades—potentially at the cost of their long-term success.

"The UK’s analogue copper telephone network has a proud history, but it’s no longer up to the task for businesses.

"It’s simply too risky to build the economy on a shaky foundation and we’re calling on all businesses to move before the end of 2025 – well ahead of the switch-off," says Kerry Small, Chief Operating Officer, Business at BT.

“Analogue companies making the move now can benefit from rock-solid digital connectivity to help keep them in business for years to come.

"We’re supporting customers small and large through the move, so no business is left behind.

"Whether you’re a tech start-up or a family firm passed down through generations, when it comes to going digital – BT’s got your back.” 

In today’s increasingly digital marketplace, robust connectivity and cloud-based operations are essential for efficiency, scalability and innovation.

Nearly three-quarters (73%) of business owners now say that they could not run their businesses without reliable broadband and mobile connectivity.

The transition to digital networks is not just about replacing old landlines; it is about unlocking new opportunities for automation, artificial intelligence and seamless global communication.

Preparing for a digital future

With the copper network set to be phased out, UK manufacturers must act now to ensure they are not left behind.

The transition to digital networks will not only prevent service disruptions but open the door to future-proofed infrastructure that can support emerging workplace technologies.

Businesses that fail to adapt risk missing out on productivity gains from innovations such as AI-powered analytics, cloud-based collaboration and augmented reality applications.

Industry leaders and organisations such as Small Business Britain are backing BT’s push for digital transformation.

As part of the transition, BT successfully moved nearly 300,000 legacy business lines off the PSTN in 2024.

New customers can no longer sign up for analogue phone or broadband services.  From 31 December 2025, businesses still using PSTN-connected services may experience changes in preparation for the full network shutdown in January 2027.

For manufacturers and other SMEs still holding on to legacy technology, its clear that the time to go digital is now.

Cutting the copper is no longer just about keeping up with technological advancements, it's about securing the future of UK manufacturing in an increasingly digital world.

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