Arrange your free telecoms audit and “PSTN Switch Off Plan” Today
Is Your Business Ready for the PSTN Switch Off?
In 2025, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is being switched off by BT Openreach, which means everyone, including businesses, currently using landline-based services will need to move to another service before then.
Landlines and all services using them, such as broadband, alarm systems, EPOS and PDQ payment machines, will stop working. To help your business prepare for this we are offering a free telecoms audit and “PSTN Switch Off Plan”. Arrange yours today by calling us on 01553 777777 or fill in your details and we will get in touch.
FAQs
PSTN stands for Public Switched Telephone Network. It refers to the traditional global telephone network that uses circuit-switched technology to transmit voice and data communications. PSTN is comprised of a vast network of interconnected telephone lines and other communication infrastructure. It enables individuals and businesses to make voice calls, send faxes, and access other telecommunication services.
The PSTN has served as the backbone of the UK’s telecommunications system since its inception in 1876, marking the birth of the first telephone call. Over time, the PSTN has inevitably become outdated and expensive to upkeep. Similarly, ISDN has lost its relevance with the emergence of more advanced technologies like fiber broadband. In light of these developments, Openreach has made the decision to decommission the PSTN and ISDN networks, clearing the path for a fully digital network capable of meeting the demands of the modern digital era.
The switch-off of the old phone network system will have an impact on any technology that relies on PSTN or ISDN lines for non-voice services. This encompasses a range of devices including alarms, EPOS machines, door entry systems, CCTV cameras, and fax machines. These devices, which depend on the connectivity provided by the outdated network, will be affected by the transition to newer communication technologies.
The switch-off will impact individuals and businesses alike, encompassing both home and professional settings. It entails the discontinuation of the old phone network and the termination of all non-voice services linked to PSTN or ISDN lines. Therefore, everyone will experience the effects of this transition, which extends to both personal and commercial telecommunications infrastructure.
The replacement technology for PSTN, following its switch-off, is primarily based on Internet Protocol (IP) communication. IP-based networks leverage digital data transmission over internet connections to enable voice and other multimedia services. Voice over IP (VoIP) is one of the prominent technologies taking over PSTN’s role. VoIP allows voice calls to be transmitted as data packets over the internet or private IP networks. Additionally, emerging technologies like Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) and cloud-based telephony solutions offer advanced features, scalability, and flexibility. These technologies enable businesses and individuals to communicate seamlessly, integrating voice, video, messaging, and collaboration tools across multiple devices and locations. The transition from PSTN to these innovative IP-based solutions opens up new possibilities for more efficient and versatile communication in the digital age.
VoIP (Voice over IP) technology offers several advantages over traditional PSTN technology. Firstly, VoIP is more cost-effective as it utilizes internet connections, eliminating the need for separate telephone lines. This results in reduced long-distance and international calling charges. Additionally, VoIP offers greater flexibility and mobility as users can make and receive calls from any location with an internet connection, enabling remote work and collaboration. VoIP also provides a broader range of features and functionalities, including voicemail, call forwarding, video conferencing, and integration with other digital communication tools. Furthermore, VoIP supports scalability, allowing businesses to easily expand their phone systems without significant infrastructure changes. With its superior cost-efficiency, flexibility, advanced features, and scalability, VoIP technology has become a popular choice for modern communication needs, outshining the limitations of the traditional PSTN network.
To utilise VoIP after the termination of PSTN services, a reliable broadband connection is essential. The quality of your calls greatly benefits from a higher-speed broadband connection, although satisfactory call quality can still be achieved with a lower-speed connection. However, for optimal performance of your VoIP system, as well as other cloud services, it is advisable to have a higher-speed broadband connection.