The countdown to the PSTN switch-off is on. Is your business ready?
The PSTN has been at the heart of the UK’s telecoms infrastructure for decades, but with advancements in technology and changes in how businesses operate, it’s no longer a sufficient solution for today’s digital-first world.
Whilst the term switch-off may seem final, and it is, it shouldn’t be feared. Instead, it presents businesses with an opportunity to future-proof their organisation by transitioning from legacy copper lines to faster, more resilient and reliable digital solutions which use IP technology, such as a hosted voice platform powered by full-fibre connectivity.
With enhanced reliability, easier maintenance and fewer performance issues, if you’ve not yet made the switch, now is the time to embrace the digital transformation in your business and future-proof your telecoms and connectivity infrastructure.
What is the PSTN
The PSTN has been around since the late 1800s, carrying the UK’s voice calls for over 100 years over legacy copper wires.
Once a revolution in communications, connecting people together over vast distances, it has seen many upgrades throughout the years, notably in the 1980s with the introduction of ISDN and the early 2000s with the rollout of ADSL. However, this infrastructure is no longer an adequate solution for our advancing needs, which include a greater reliance on data and real-time access to cloud applications. The planned switch-off due in January 2027 marks the end of an era in telecoms and the start of a new digital age — one, which many businesses across the world have already embraced.
Whilst 2027 might seem like a long way off, upgrading now will not only help to future-proof your business ahead of the nationwide switch-off, but your company can start to enjoy the benefits of switching to digital technology, which includes faster, more resilient and reliable communications.
What does this mean for businesses?
The PSTN switch-off is an opportunity for many businesses to future-proof their organisations and position themselves in a competitive landscape.
If you’re one of the millions of businesses still using the PSTN infrastructure, now is the time to upgrade to a digital solution. Minimise the disruption to your business by upgrading ahead of the 2027 deadline. Leaving it until the last minute could result in product shortages, downtime in your communications and costly setbacks. And let’s not forget the nationwide Stop Sell, which came into place in September 2023. Whilst your current phone system will still be operational until January 2027, the stop sell means you won’t be able to make changes or activate new lines, resulting in significant restrictions to your internet and phone systems and, in turn, your business growth. Should you need to make changes, your only option is to upgrade to a digital solution, such as Hosted Voice – an upgrade you’ll need to do before January 2027.
There are many other devices that run on the PSTN infrastructure; it’s not just about voice calls. Whether you have a card payment machine, alarm pendant, monitoring equipment, door entry systems, lift alarms or CCTV, to name a few – you’ll need to consider how not making the switch will impact these elements, as without upgrading, they will no longer function past January 2027.
As full fibre continues to be rolled out across the UK, with 85%* coverage expected by 2025 and nationwide availability by 2030, the future is fibre. Don’t get left behind. If you’re in an area where full fibre is not yet available, this doesn’t mean you can’t make the switch ahead of the 2027 switch-off. There are many broadband products available, which will assist in facilitating the move to digital.
Mobile connectivity over the years has seen many advancements, and with the continued rollout of the 5G infrastructure, it can both complement and enhance your business connectivity. The superfast 5G network can provide a suitable back-up option for in office or remote broadband, assisting in the running of a hosted voice platform. Alongside this, mobile connectivity can also provide the ability to answer calls and access critical data on a mobile device or tablet both in and outside of the office – further facilitating our work from anywhere ethos.
The rise in IoT technology also plays a significant part in today’s super-fast connected world. Multi-network IoT mobile connectivity can offer a secure and resilient option to effectively manage the connectivity and data for equipment such as lift alarms, sensors, vehicle traffic devices, stock level monitoring systems and more.
The benefits
Transitioning to a digital solution that uses IP technology, such as a hosted voice platform powered by full fibre connectivity through ultrafast ethernet or FTTP, can bring many benefits to your business.
Full fibre technology is transforming how we work, delivering a more reliable connection with fewer faults and helping us to achieve the always-connected ethos. The phone line is no longer central to our communications infrastructure – fibre connectivity is.
But the benefits don’t end there. Think reduced costs, scalability, enhanced resilience and flexibility.
Reduced costs – with hosting taking place in the cloud, there’s no need for expensive servers and maintenance packages
Scalability – Grow your business alongside scaled solutions to accommodate your growing needs
Enhanced Resilience – You’ll be able to connect via multiple channels, increasing your resilience and assisting you to achieve an always-on infrastructure
Flexible – it’s flexible too. Employees no longer have to be in the office to answer calls. Calls can be taken on a landline, mobile, tablet, and even your laptop, meaning wherever you are, your customers and suppliers will be able to reach you. You will no longer miss a call because you’re out of the office.
Plus, should you relocate or expand, it’s easily transferrable, and companies which operate nationwide can implement non-geographic numbers.
By utilising other cloud-based applications, such as Office 365, alongside a digital voice platform, employees can work and communicate efficiently both in and out of the office.
Transitioning to an All-IP future can be seen as a step towards your company’s long-term success. With reduced downtime, you can enjoy faster, smoother operations whilst increasing employee productivity and customer satisfaction.
The next steps
If you’ve not yet made the switch, we’d recommend carrying out a complete review of your communications infrastructure. This will help highlight all the services you have that rely on the PSTN infrastructure. If you’re unsure where to start, speak to a member of our team, and we’d be happy to carry out a review on your behalf.
We’ve already assisted many businesses in making the transition to an All-IP future, and having made the switch ourselves, we’ve experienced first-hand the benefits this has brought to our organisation. We’ll take the time to understand your business and its needs and put forward a digital solution that works for you. With products such as ethernet, FTTP and hosted voice, we have the knowledge, experience and expertise to ensure a smooth transition for your organisation. Speak to us today and find out how we can assist you in making the transition.
Sources
- * 85% full fibre by 2025 and nationwide by 2030 https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8392/
