What is the 2025 PSTN switch-off about?
The Openreach switch-off announcement in 2015 made it clear that the future of the PSTN network was being reviewed, with a view to switching-off and deactivating the voice network completely in 2025.
What does it mean?
This means that all copper services currently used for voice will stop working from this point. This is ISDN and Analogue single and multi-lines. The copper will remain but just for data services like FTTC, which is fibre to the green cabinet near you and then a copper line to your premises.
Why is this happening?
Unbelievably, there has been a telephone network in the UK since 1876, and the current system is over 40 years old. It has become tired and increasingly costly to maintain or to fix when things break. It is being replaced with modern technology fit for the digital world we now live in.
How will it impact my business?
If you have a phone system that was installed more than 5 years ago and you have the ability to take more than one call at a time, it is likely that you will be using a PSTN service to communicate with the rest of the world.
Depending on your provider, there should be a reference to ISDN or analogue multi-line on your bill. Unfortunately, some telecoms companies can make customer bills difficult to understand or they hide the information in different text.
Are there many businesses in the same situation?
60% of businesses are still using PSTN services and will need to migrate. Even if you are not with BT, either directly or through a reseller, this will affect you. Unless Virgin is your provider, you will be using a BT phone line.
If you know you are in the Cloud, using SIP trunks or on a Cloud voice service, the good news is you are already set for the change.
What shall I do?
If it is unclear whether you are using an ISDN or PSTN line, then contact us and we will be able to tell you quickly what the status is.
If VOIP, Cloud or SIP do not look familiar to you, there is a strong chance you are still using the old technology and need to start looking into moving over.
Pen Telecom Ltd are ideally placed to help you achieve this, quickly, simply and at minimal cost. Once you have done it there is one less thing to worry about.
So, to make your business future proof, contact Pen Telecom Ltd at info@pen-telecom.co.uk or call 020 8150 9300 option 1.