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What happened when we asked ChatGPT about the PSTN switch off?

As trusted telecoms advisors and a provider to businesses of all sizes up and down the country, we’re working hard to ensure our customers are as informed as possible about the switch off of the PSTN in 2025. With the recent resurgence of news coverage about ChatGPT, we wondered what advice an AI might offer on such a topic.

We were pleasantly surprised how well informed it seemed to be! Read our conversation below…!

Q. What is the WLR switch off?
I’m sorry, but I’m not familiar with the term “WLR switch off.” It could refer to something specific to a particular industry, technology, or region. Can you please provide more context or information about where you heard this term? That would help me to better understand and provide a more accurate answer.

Q. How about the PSTN switch off?
The PSTN switch off refers to the gradual phasing out of the traditional public switched telephone network (PSTN) in favour of newer digital communication technologies such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and mobile networks.
The PSTN has been the backbone of telecommunications for over a century, but it is now becoming outdated and expensive to maintain. As a result, many countries around the world are transitioning to more modern and efficient digital networks. This transition involves gradually phasing out the PSTN and migrating to newer technologies.
The switch off of the PSTN may involve several stages, including decommissioning of old infrastructure, migration of customers to new networks, and finally, the complete shut down of the PSTN. The exact timing and process of the switch off may vary depending on the country and the telecom operator involved.

Q. What can I do to make sure my business won’t suffer any down time when the switch off happens?
To ensure that your business won’t suffer any downtime during the PSTN switch off, you can take the following steps:

  1. Evaluate your current telecommunications infrastructure: Assess your current phone systems, including the hardware and software, to identify any dependencies on PSTN technology. Determine how much of your business communications rely on the PSTN, and identify potential alternatives.
  2. Identify alternative communication technologies: Look into alternative communication technologies, such as VoIP, mobile networks, or cloud-based phone systems. Evaluate the features, costs, and reliability of each alternative, and choose the best option that fits your business needs.
  3. Plan the migration process: Once you have identified alternative technologies, plan the migration process. Determine the timeline, resources, and support needed to transition to the new system, and communicate the plan to your employees and customers.
  4. Train employees on new systems: Ensure that your employees are trained on the new systems to avoid any confusion or disruptions. Provide adequate training and support to help them adapt to the new technology.
  5. Test and monitor the new systems: Test the new systems thoroughly to ensure that they are working properly and integrate seamlessly with your existing infrastructure. Monitor the new systems to identify and address any issues that arise.
    By following these steps, you can prepare your business for the PSTN switch off and ensure that your communications remain uninterrupted during and after the transition.

Q. Who should I speak to if I need any help with this?
If you need help with the PSTN switch off and transitioning to new communication technologies, there are several resources and experts that you can reach out to:

  1. Telecommunications service providers: Contact your current telecommunications service provider or other service providers in your area to discuss the switch off and available alternatives. They can provide you with information on their services and assist you in planning the migration.
  2. Technology consultants: Technology consultants specialise in providing guidance on technology and can help you evaluate your current infrastructure, identify alternative solutions, and plan the migration process.
  3. Industry associations: Industry associations, such as the Communications Alliance in Australia or the Federal Communications Commission in the United States, may provide information on the switch off and recommendations for alternative solutions.
  4. Government agencies: Government agencies may also provide guidance on the switch off and alternative solutions. In many countries, government agencies are responsible for regulating telecommunications and may have information on the switch off and available alternatives.
  5. Online resources: There are many online resources available, such as blogs, forums, and webinars, that provide information on the PSTN switch off and alternative solutions. You can search for these resources using search engines or social media platforms.
    By reaching out to these resources and experts, you can get the help you need to navigate the PSTN switch off and ensure a smooth transition to new communication technologies.

Q. Thank you for your assistance
You’re welcome! If you have any further questions or need any more assistance, don’t hesitate to ask

You can read more from our experts about the PSTN switch off on dedicated page. If you have any additional questions, or would like some advice on what the switch off could mean for your business, speak directly to our experts and cut out the AI in the middle!

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