AI-Enhanced Fibre & VoIP for UK Retailers Before PSTN Switch
                     How AI-Enhanced Fibre and VoIP Power Smarter UK Stores
Amid the PSTN Deadline?
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.