How to pick a phone system for remote workers: what the switch-off means and one practical option

The UK's traditional phone network (PSTN/ISDN) is scheduled to be switched off on 31 January 2027. If your business still uses analogue landlines, you need a digital replacement. That can be a VoIP private branch exchange (VoIP PBX) or a cloud-based VoIP platform.

Why a shared phone system helps remote teams

Having everyone on the same system simplifies routing and transferring calls. Features are consistent across devices, so you can forward or direct calls by name rather than by extension. Remote employees can take calls on mobile or desktop apps, reducing missed customer calls and keeping a single company presence.

• Auto attendant: a digital receptionist that routes callers to the right person or department and can play after-hours messages.

• Business SMS and email-to-SMS: send texts to staff or customers and use email-to-SMS to streamline outbound messages.
• Video calling and conferencing: useful for internal meetings and client calls, sometimes with recording options.
• Online faxing: sends faxes as documents directly to recipients, offering greater privacy and parallel delivery than traditional fax machines.

A practical provider profile: Virtual Landline

Who it's for: small businesses and hybrid or remote teams that need a mobile-friendly, flexible system.

Notable features: eSIM support lets one device run multiple numbers so employees can switch between work and personal lines. Plans are available for single users and for virtual office setups that serve multiple users.

If you're shopping for a replacement phone system, first confirm how many users need access and whether you require mobile apps or desktop clients. Compare pricing by user and by feature, and check whether your existing landline number can be ported. Use the feature list above to match providers to your operational priorities: consistent caller routing, SMS capabilities, voicemail handling, and conferencing.

Compile a short list of providers that support number porting and your essential features, request trial accounts or demos, and test call quality on employees' typical home broadband connections before committing.