The UK’s telephone network which has been in use since 1876 is going digital, Openreach the company that runs the UK’s existing copper based Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) announced in 2015 their intention to replace both systems by 2025.
Openreach currently intend to turn both networks off on the 31st of December 2025.
Why is this happening?
The current PSTN has existed since the Victorian era and is nearing the end of its life, while its physical infrastructure remains similar to when it was installed, the last few decades have seen advancements in telecommunications evolve exponentially and with the introduction of the internet and the development of a connected world, the demands on networks have expanded to include higher quality, faster connections.
PSTN and ISDN services simply cannot support the needs of the modern telecoms system, so providers have stopped investing in them, focusing instead on providing high-speed digital networks that are required for applications today and in the future.
While most of us rely on our smartphones for making calls, accessing social media, consuming content and staying connected, a surprising number of businesses and organisations still rely on the traditional PSTN landline.
Will my business be affected by the switch off?
In 2020, the sale of PSTN and ISDN products began to be phased out.
Amongst the services & products that the switch off will affect are:
- Older telephone systems or Private Branch Exchanges (PBX).
- ISDN2 & ISDN30 circuits (Primarily used to provide telephone lines for PBX’s.
- Any standalone analogue telephone lines. N.B. Fax lines are included in this.
- Broadband Internet Services.
- Some CCTV systems.
- Lift alarms & intercoms.
- Door Entry Systems.
- Equipment that relies on a telephone line for remote access.
- Card payment terminals.
- Electronic point-of-sale (EPOS) tills in shops.
- Some traffic lights.
If your business uses any of the above, then the switch off will have an impact and may affect your ability to operate come the 1st of January 2026.
Approximately 2.4 million businesses in the UK still use PSTN or ISDN services and about 33% of large organisations at least partly rely on them, which brings considerable impact both operationally and societally.
Businesses and other organisations must consider the impact of these upcoming changes while also recognising the many opportunities it presents to modernise and upgrade their communications systems.
A recent survey revealed that over 62% of businesses are still using traditional landlines and over 44% do not fully understand that both the PSTN and ISDN will be switched off at the end of 2025.
What should my business be doing?
Proactive preparation is vital.
Although the switch off is two years away, it is essential that if you haven’t already started to prepare for it, that you start thinking about what will be required for your business now.
As the deadline draws closer, it is safe to assume that it will become increasingly difficult to secure the technical expertise and hardware that you may require to update your communication infrastructure.
With this in mind, the sooner you start the process of checking the compatibility and or upgrade path of your existing equipment, the sooner you will know what is required, which will in turn allow you to make the necessary decisions on technology, timescales and budgets.
VONMAR Consulting can assist you with the following:
1. Identification and compatibility checking of your affected systems and production of a report with recommendations for
required actions.
2. Identification of available upgrades or if required replacement to existing equipment and systems.
3. Manage the tendering process for replacement of equipment and circuits as well as contract negotiation.
4. We can work with your current vendors or carry out a benchmarking exercise if you would like to consider alternatives.
5. Provide a complete end to project management solution for the entire process.
If you have any questions relating to this topic please contact us at jonathan.robb@vonmar-consuilting.com .