PSTN Switch-Off: What Business Leaders Need to Know

‍In 2025, the PSTN and ISDN networks will be switched off.

In the near future, the UK will be saying goodbye to traditional PSTN phone lines. That’s right—Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN) and ISDN (ISDN) are on their way out. For business leaders in the UK, this switch-off could mean major changes for your operations. So it’s important that you know what is happening with the switch-off and how it affects you and your business.

Turning off the public switch telephone network: Why Now?

The switch off has been a long time coming. PSTN and ISDN lines have been around since the 1980s, but technology has changed drastically since then. The past decade in particular has seen an explosion of new possibilities when it comes to communications technology. With cloud telephony, video conferencing and VoIP all available, it makes sense that businesses would want to take advantage of these newer technologies instead of sticking with outdated ones like PSTN and ISDN.

Schedule an appointment to make the switch to VoIP

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What Does This Mean for You?

For business leaders, this means making decisions about how your company will transition from using PSTN/ISDN lines to using alternative technologies such as cloud telephony or VoIP. Such a transition can be complex, but thankfully there are experts who specialize in helping companies make the switchover smoothly and quickly. Companies like Metric Marketing can help you figure out what type of technology is best for your organisation’s needs, assist with installation and setup, and provide ongoing support during the switch-off process.

Learn more about what the PSTN switch off means for my business.

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Will the PSTN switch Off effect my broadband services?

The switch to all-digital broadband will mean that the PSTN will no longer be needed to carry voice or data signals. However, this does not mean that your home phone or internet service will be affected. Phone companies are already working on plans to transition customers to all-digital broadband services without disrupting their service.

Will I need to replace my existing phone network?

If you have a VoIP-based phone system, then your service should not be affected by the switch-off of the PSTN. However, if you have a traditional landline phone, then you may need to upgrade your service in order to continue using it. Luckily, there are many VoIP providers that offer a variety of plans and features to choose from, so you should be able to find one that meets your needs. In any case, it’s important to stay informed about the status of the PSTN switch-off so that you can plan accordingly.

Will this effect my mobile phone?

One of the most frequently asked questions in recent months has been, "Will the PSTN switch off effect my mobile phone?" The answer, in short, is no. This will not have any direct impact on mobile phones, which use a different set of technologies. However, it is worth noting that the PSTN switch off will eventually lead to the discontinuation of landline telephone service. As a result, mobile phones may eventually become your only option for voice communication if no action is taken.

Will I need an internet connection to make business phone calls?

It's important to be aware that you will need a good internet connection in order to make VoIP calls. If your connection is unreliable or low-quality, it could result in poor call quality or even dropped calls. As a result, when making the switch to VoIP, it's important to choose a service that offers a reliable and high-quality internet connection.

A clear line is needed for digital voice services just like with the PSTN services when making business calls. Only then can you be sure that your business phone calls will go through without any problems.

What Should You Do Now?

Now is the time to start thinking about how you will transition away from PSTN/ISDN lines so that you can ensure your company stays ahead of the curve when it comes to communications technology. Don’t wait until the last minute—talk to experts now so that you have plenty of time to make an informed decision about which type of communication system is best for your business before BT stops providing PSTN/ISDN services completely in 2025!  

Got Doubts about moving from the PSTN switch off

There are many benefits to businesses when the PSTN switch is turned off. These benefits include cost savings, increased efficiency, and better customer service. By turning off the PSTN switch, businesses can save money on their phone bills.

Businesses can also reduce the amount of time it takes to complete phone calls. This is because calls can be made over the Internet instead of through the PSTN network.

Additionaly, businesses can provide better customer service by using features like voice over IP (VoIP). With VoIP, customers can speak to customer service representatives using their computer or mobile device.

How are businesses managing the Switch

Though some might see landlines as antiquated and not a pressing concern, businesses must begin thinking about transitioning to cloud-based technologies in preparation for the Big Switch Off in 2025. BT announced the plans for the Big Switch Off back in 2015, yet shockingly when surveying business customers, only 20% of businesses are aware of it while nearly 60% have no clue what it is.

Furthermore, only 30% of businesses have made the switch to VoIP - despite the abundance of other benefits associated with IP Voice.

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John Griffiths, Chairman of National Business Communications, said: “Businesses need to start preparing for the switch off now. We anticipate a hold-up in 2025 due to unprepared businesses, which may mean the industry won’t be able to keep up with the number of last-minute orders, possibly leaving businesses without a service.”

The Big Switch Off refers to the project of discontinuing all Public Switched Telephone Networks (PTSN) and Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN). Businesses will need to upgrade their networks with a single IP core network, which is digital. Furthermore, services such as CCTV, fax machines, alarms, EPOS machines, and door entry systems may also be impacted by The Big Switch Off.

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John added: “Although this may sound scary to businesses who still depend on landlines, there are alternatives such as VoIP and the transition can be made smoothly.”

According to a BT conducted survey, mobile phones and VoIP are the main alternatives businesses will use once landlines are switched off – 86.2% of respondents stated they would make calls via mobiles phones and 62.5% stated VoIP. Around 4% of respondents say they aren’t sure what they’ll use.

What to look for with a VoIP services provider

Not all VoIP services are created equal. The One Point offers powerful, flexible VoIP that helps you meet your business goals.

A VoIP provider like The One Point can help Entrepreneurs reach their business goals with technology.

1. Cost

One of the main things businesses need to consider when moving from the PSTN  to a fully digital network is cost. There are a number of different ways to connect to the internet, and each has its own associated costs.

Depending on the size and needs of your business, you'll find that there can be a big difference in costs between different VoIP providers. While it's important to save money where you can, it's also important to make sure that you're getting a quality service for your money. To help you make the best decision for your business, here's a closer look at the difference in costs between some of the top VoIP providers.

2. Availability

Another thing businesses need to consider when moving from the PSTN is availability. Not all providers offer service in all areas, so businesses need to be sure they have coverage before signing up. Early adopters moving from the traditional phone services will find the options digital voice services work vastly different and with far more options for IP telephony to initial options.

3. Speed

Speed is also important when it comes to choosing a digital voice service provider. Businesses need to be sure the provider they choose can provide them with the speeds they need in order to operate effectively.

4. Security

Security is another key consideration for businesses when moving from the public switched telephone network. It's important to ensure that any provider you choose has robust security measures in place to protect your data.

5. Support

It's also important to consider the level of support offered by potential providers. Some types of businesses need access to customer service 24/7 in order to address any issues that may arise.

The One Point is a leading technology solutions provider that offers multi award-winning support to businesses across the UK. Our team of highly skilled and experienced engineers are on hand 24/7 to provide expert technical support, and we also offer a wide range of other services such as IT consultancy, managed services, and cloud computing. We have won numerous awards for our outstanding service,

6. Features

Finally, businesses need to make sure that any provider they choose offers all the features they need in order to run their business effectively. This includes things like voicemail, call forwarding, and conference calling.

Do I need to understand confusing technical jargon to use my phone system?

Many people believe that they need to have a firm understanding of technical jargon in order to use their phone system. And it's a valid concern if you don't know an internet protocol from virtual phone lines. However, this is not the case. Your phone system is designed to be user-friendly, so you can get the most out of your calls without needing to understand confusing technical terms.

Of course, if you ever have any questions about using your phone system, our customer service team will be more than happy to help you out. So don't let confusion hold you back from enjoying all that your phone system has to offer.

What is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)?

Voice Over IP, or VoIP, is a type of telecommunication that allows users to make and receive phone calls over the internet. Unlike traditional landline phone service, which uses copper wires to transmit sounds, VoIP converts audio into digital signals that are then transmitted over the internet.

This makes VoIP a more versatile and affordable option for businesses and individuals. In addition to being cheaper than traditional phone service, VoIP offers several other benefits. For example, VoIP calls are often clearer than those made with a landline, and they can be made from anywhere there is an internet connection.

Businesses can also use VoIP to setup virtual call centers, which can be located anywhere in the world. As the popularity of VoIP continues to grow, it is likely that more businesses and individuals will adopt this technology.

What is the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)?

The Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is a digital phone line that was designed to provides high quality voice, video, and data services. It was used for businesses that needed to communicate with customers and clients using audio and video.

ISDN lines are also faster and more reliable than traditional phone lines, making them ideal for businesses that rely on VoIP or other bandwidth-intensive applications.

In addition, ISDN lines can be used to connect multiple devices to the same line, allowing businesses to save money on phone bills. While an ISDN line are more expensive than a traditional phone line, it offerd a number of advantages that make them worth the investment at the time.

As voice calls in the future will be made over the internet, It was realised that ISDN was no longer fit  andcapable of delivering the volume or quality of voice data needed in this increasingly digital world.

What is the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)?

The Public Switched Telephone Network, or PSTN, is the world's largest telephone network. It consists of a complex system of switches, routers, and other equipment that connect telephone callers with each other.

The PSTN is used by both landline and mobile phone users, and it supports a variety of services such as voice calling, data transmission, and text messaging. The PSTN is also the foundation for many emergency services.

While the PSTN has been in operation for many years, it is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of its users. For example, the rollout of fiber-optic technology is making the PSTN faster and more reliable than ever before. As the PSTN continues to evolve, it remains an essential part of our global communications infrastructure.  

Conclusion:  

The impending switch off from PSTN/ISDN services may seem daunting at first glance, but with careful planning and expert assistance from companies like The One Point you can make sure that your business is well prepared for this change when it happens in 2025! Take action now by researching different types of communication systems available for businesses so that you can decide which one is right for your organization before KCom and BT stops providing PSTN/ISDN services completely. Doing so will ensure that your company continues operating efficiently even after the switch-off takes place!

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