LG Ericsson / iPECS phone system: how to modernise to the cloud
If you run an LG Ericsson (now Ericsson-LG) iPECS phone system, you can modernise to a cloud phone system rather than buying more on-premise hardware. With the UK landline network switching off on 31 January 2027, a cloud system is the future-proof path, and you keep your existing numbers when you move.
What is the LG Ericsson / iPECS system?
LG Ericsson, now branded Ericsson-LG, makes the iPECS range of business phone systems. iPECS has been a popular IP-PBX choice for UK small and medium businesses for years, usually sold and supported through local resellers, in both on-premise and cloud forms. It is a capable platform, and this guide is about modernising older on-premise installations rather than any criticism of the kit.
Is iPECS reaching end of life?
Each iPECS model has its own end-of-sale and end-of-support timeline, so an older on-premise unit may be ageing or already out of support while newer hardware and cloud options continue; confirm the status of your specific model with your reseller or Ericsson-LG. The bigger, fixed deadline for many UK businesses is the switch-off: any iPECS system that uses traditional PSTN or ISDN lines is affected when those lines are retired on 31 January 2027.
As with any ageing platform, the practical risks are availability and support: harder-to-source spares and handsets, trickier fault-fixing, and fewer long-term updates.
What are your options?
You can keep the existing iPECS system running, which is fine short term but carries end-of-life and switch-off risk. You can replace it like-for-like with another on-premise PBX, which fixes the hardware but repeats the capital cost, on-site kit and maintenance and ignores the lines being retired. Or you can move to a cloud phone system, which most UK businesses now choose because there is no hardware to maintain and it is ready for life after 2027.
iPECS on-premise system vs a cloud phone system
| iPECS on-premise PBX | Cloud phone system | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | On-site PBX and (often proprietary) handsets | None needed; app, browser or standard SIP phones |
| Upfront cost | Capital cost for the system and handsets | Typically no setup or hardware cost |
| Maintenance | Reseller or maintenance contract | Managed by the provider |
| Remote and mobile | Limited; tied to the building | Built in; reachable anywhere |
| Support and spares | Model-dependent; harder over time | Actively supported and updated |
| 2027 switch-off | At risk if it uses PSTN or ISDN lines | Ready; runs over the internet |
How do you migrate from an LG Ericsson / iPECS system?
Moving off iPECS is usually quick and can be done with no downtime. The steps are the same as any cloud move: list your current lines, numbers and extensions; choose a provider and plan; order any new numbers and port your existing ones so you keep them; set up users, call menus and business hours; then run the new system in parallel and go live once you are happy.
Your numbers come with you through porting, which is normally free. Standard SIP desk phones can sometimes be reused, while proprietary iPECS handsets generally need replacing, although many businesses simply move staff to the mobile app and browser softphone. A good provider handles the porting and setup, so the change is low-risk.
Frequently asked questions
Is the LG Ericsson iPECS system being discontinued?
LG Ericsson is now Ericsson-LG, and individual iPECS phone-system models have their own end-of-sale and end-of-support timelines. Older on-premise iPECS units may be ageing or out of support, while newer hardware and cloud options continue. Check your specific model with your reseller or maintainer. Either way, any iPECS system running on PSTN or ISDN lines is affected by the 2027 switch-off.
Can I keep my number when I replace an iPECS system?
Yes. Number porting lets you keep your existing geographic, 03 or 0800 numbers when you move from an LG Ericsson iPECS system to a cloud phone system. Your new provider arranges the transfer, it is normally free, and your numbers ring on the new system once porting completes.
Will my iPECS handsets work with a cloud phone system?
It varies. Standard SIP desk phones can often be reconfigured to register with a cloud system, but proprietary iPECS handsets that are tied to the iPECS platform usually need replacing. Many businesses move staff to a mobile app or browser softphone instead, so desk phones become optional.
Do I need to replace my LG Ericsson system before 2027?
If your iPECS system relies on traditional PSTN or ISDN phone lines, then yes, because those lines switch off across the UK on 31 January 2027. After that date you need an internet-based phone service such as a cloud phone system. Moving now avoids a rush and keeps your numbers.
What is the best replacement for an LG Ericsson iPECS system?
For most UK businesses the best replacement is a cloud phone system (hosted VoIP) rather than another on-premise PBX. It removes the hardware and maintenance, works on desk phones, a mobile app and a browser, scales easily, includes modern features as standard, and is ready for the 2027 switch-off.
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