As 2025 approaches, the UK’s retail industry is set to reach a turning point in its digital evolution. Given the postponement of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) shutdown until January 2027, companies now have an additional year to transition away from older copper infrastructure to internet-based VoIP. This extension takes care of worries about users who are vulnerable and businesses that aren’t prepared. It builds pressure on retailers to adopt resilient, future-proof telecom setups. However, it doesn’t diminish the urgency. Over 93% of UK retail and wholesale firms still rely on PSTN for critical tools, such as EPOS terminals and alarms, risking disruptions if they delay.
As 2025 gets closer, the UK’s retail industry is about to make a big change in its digital transformation. The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch-off has been pushed back to January 2027. This gives businesses an extra year to move from old copper lines to internet-based VoIP. This extension resolves worries regarding users in vulnerable situations and organisations that are not yet ready.
Broadband access via fibre optics, including both complete fibre connections and those reaching the street cabinet, now represents the dominant share at 77.2% among the UK’s 29.2 million fixed broadband plans, up from 76.4% in the prior quarter. It’s not only about speed for retailers. For those in the retail sector, this development signifies more than just faster data rates—it pertains to integrating AI for forecasting stock needs, tailoring customer engagement, and achieving smooth, unified experiences across all sales channels. Yet, studies reveal that 94% of SMEs have internet access, but only 73% bundle it with VoIP, missing out on 30-40% in cost savings and enhanced efficiency.
Aritel, as an independent UK telecom service provider partnering with Vodafone and O2, excels here with its no-fuss, affordable bundles of fibre internet, SIM-only deals, and cloud-based small business phone solutions. Our USP is straightforward migrations with 24/7 UK support, transparent pricing, and scalability for growing shops—without the lock-ins or complexity of bigger players. This approach aligns perfectly with retail’s push for “smart stores”, where AI thrives on reliable connectivity. In fact, it is projected that the UK VoIP market will reach £55 billion by year-end, with 31% of businesses already switched to its AI-ready features, such as automated call routing.
This isn’t about sweeping, headline-grabbing transformations. It’s about equipping high-street businesses with real, workable solutions for hybrid retail. Let’s explore how Aritel’s services are enabling retailers to harness AI amid the PSTN pivot, backed by fresh insights and actionable steps.
Table of Contents
- The PSTN Deadline: A Wake-Up Call for Retail’s Backbone
- Fibre Internet: The AI Accelerator Retailers Can’t Ignore
- VoIP and SIM-Only: Smarter Calls, Greener Operations
- Your Next Move: Aritel’s Path to Retail-Ready Telecom
The PSTN Deadline: A Wake-Up Call for Retail’s Backbone
Traditional PSTN lines continue to support many businesses across the UK, handling everyday functions such as voice calls and basic connectivity; still, they are now nearing the end of their lifecycle. The delay to 2027 buys businesses more time. But the UK-wide stop-sell introduced in September 2023 means no new analogue or WLR services can be ordered, making digital and IP-based voice the only option for new lines. Fixed voice revenues continue to decline, with a 14.1% year-on-year drop to £1.04 billion in Q2 2025, as users flock to digital alternatives — a shift that hits retailers particularly hard because they rely on customer-facing voice services.
VoIP not only ensures continuity but also integrates with AI for smarter operations. Aritel’s cloud phone systems support this shift, offering digital voice services built to work alongside modern routing, automation, and call-handling solutions. With Vodafone/O2-backed networks, Aritel helps ensure smoother transitions through reliable coverage, structured onboarding, and steady performance — keeping surprises to a minimum.
Fibre Internet: The AI Accelerator Retailers Can’t Ignore
Fibre isn’t just fast — it empowers the next generation of AI-enabled retail experiences. With gigabit coverage expected to reach 89% of UK premises by late 2025, retailers can now run real-time AI analytics without lag.
But here’s the retail-specific edge: In busy stores, fibre’s low latency (under 10ms) powers edge AI for instant facial recognition at checkouts or AR try-ons via 5G backups. Research shows that fibre users experience 50% less downtime, which is vital, given that most remote/hybrid workers lose 30 minutes or more daily to glitches.
Aritel via We Voice supplies a range of business broadband options, including dedicated leased lines and cloud based phone services in the UK. We combine robust internet connectivity with a reliable VoIP and cloud-based phone system for small businesses, offering flexible packages and seamless support without lengthy installation waits.
VoIP and SIM Only: Smarter Calls, Greener Operations
VoIP adoption surged to 31% in 2025, driven by its 16.97% CAGR and AI synergies. For retailers, this means cloud PBX telephone systems route calls via AI (e.g., sentiment analysis to prioritise upset customers), while slashing bills at a lower cost than PSTN.
Aritel’s internet phone systems delivered through We Voice stand out. Scalable VoIP solutions incorporating capabilities such as voicemail-to-text and platform connectivity with Microsoft Teams or CRM tools, paired with O2 SIM-only tariffs, offer generous data for on-the-go staff. Fibre-based VoIP lowers power usage by 70% compared to conventional copper, supporting environmental goals. We Voice’s SIM-based broadband option can act as a backup during fixed-line failures, ensuring adaptability for companies requiring uninterrupted service should even if fibre goes down.
Your Next Move: Aritel’s Path to Retail-Ready Telecom
As retailers prepare for the PSTN switch-off and increasing reliance on AI-enabled systems, 2025 is the moment to reassess your connectivity foundations. Aritel, through We Voice, offers the best business broadband, leased lines, VoIP phone systems for businesses, and SIM-based mobile solutions designed to provide smaller retailers with the stability that they need as digital operations grow.
Whether you’re upgrading from a legacy phone system or looking to strengthen your network for cloud applications and real-time insights, Aritel Limited’s UK-based team supports you with clear guidance, honest options and solid after-care. No unnecessary add-ons, no inflated claims — just dependable telecom services aligned to your store’s pace and priorities.
