PSTN Switch-off
2025 will see BT Openreach switch-off the legacy Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) across the UK that has kept businesses communicating for years. The traditional copper wire telephone network in use since 1876 will be phased out and replaced with Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services. Read on to learn how this may affect your business communications, what you need to consider and how to embrace the future of telephony and the benefits on offer.
Why is the PSTN Network being switched off?
The change is happening to save on the massive expenses and resources which goes towards maintaining and repairing the ageing PSTN network, while allowing for more time and investment to be put into the VoIP services which will support the future of communications technology and the demands of new ways of working.
What is VOIP?
Rather than using traditional lines to deliver calls, VoIP uses an internet connection to transmit them instead. In the early days of VoIP there were concerns over quality and reliability but with advances in data connectivity, most broadband is fast enough to negate any problems around call quality.
VoIP telephony which is also known as hosted, cloud or converged telephony has many benefits including the use of less hardware when compared to traditional phone systems and improved flexibility across multiple devices to easily move and grow with your business.
Who does the PSTN Switch off affect?
When the PSTN network shuts down, a large number of telephony and broadband products will cease working. These will include basic PSTN, ISDN2 and ISD30 lines along with any broadband products that rely on wholesale line rental (WLR)
Businesses who currently still use these services will need to move across to the new network to ensure phone systems and number remain working
Who does the PSTN Switch off affect?
When the PSTN network shuts down, a large number of telephony and broadband products will cease working. These will include basic PSTN, ISDN2 and ISD30 lines along with any broadband products that rely on wholesale line rental (WLR)
Businesses who currently still use these services will need to move across to the new network to ensure phone systems and number remain working
When will it happen?
The PSTN network will be switched off across the whole of the UK in 2025.
However, this phase out is already in action across large areas of the country where businesses can no longer place new orders for PSTN services or are already end-of-life.
Key Dates
November 2017
BT Openreach announce its intention to switch off the PSTN network in 2025
December 2020
Trial city Salisbury becomes the first stop sell area for new ISDN lines and features
December 2022
The Salisbury PSTN network becomes end-of-life
September 2023
Purchasing new ISDN lines and features across the UK will no longer be available
December 2025
The PSTN Network is completely switched off across the UK
What solution will be best for my business?
2025 may still seem like a while away but if your business still uses PSTN or ISDN lines then now is the time to start considering your options to explore the benefits of VoIP and SIP services for voice calls.
With VoIP services running across data connections, you should also take into consideration your current broadband service and how services such as security and payment systems will transfer across with you.
All business requirements are different so our dedicated experts will happily run a complete review of your existing communication infrastructure outlining the best solution and the benefits to ensure your lines keep ringing beyond 2025!
What solution will be best for my business?
2025 may still seem like a while away but if your business still uses PSTN or ISDN lines then now is the time to start considering your options to explore the benefits of VoIP and SIP services for voice calls.
With VoIP services running across data connections, you should also take into consideration your current broadband service and how services such as security and payment systems will transfer across with you.
All business requirements are different so our dedicated experts will happily run a complete review of your existing communication infrastructure outlining the best solution and the benefits to ensure your lines keep ringing beyond 2025!
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