PSTN Switch-Off; What it Means for Your Business

Technology keeps marching on, and it’s good news for your organisation. But as old technologies become obsolete, you will need to switch over to modern options. The old copper-cable telecoms network is no exception to the rule. It has been in service since 1876, so it may come as no surprise that the phasing-out process is reaching its endpoint: The Big Switch-Off. 

Luckily, there’s still time to adapt before PSTN (the Public Switched Telephone Network) gives its last gasp. PSTN switch-off is scheduled for December 2025. After this, the old-fashioned landline will be replaced with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and old, copper-cable connections will be a thing of the past.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

It’s fairly obvious that after PSTN switches off, you won’t be able to use copper cable networks to communicate over the phone or to transmit data. If you’ve not already switched to VoIP and fibre by then you would be unable to communicate and your organisation may not be able to operate at all. 

It’s safe to say that some organisations will leave things to the last minute, and there’s almost sure to be a backlog as the switch-off date draws near. Although it’s too late to be an early bird (the deadline was announced in 2017), you don’t want to wait until the eleventh hour – the best time to make the change is now. 

However, you might need to give this more thought than you expected. PTSN switch-off may affect more than the technology behind voice calls or regular internet use. With your old-fashioned landline out of commission, there’s other old tech that won’t work anymore. 

What Tech is Relying on Your PSTN Connection?

Tech that relies on your PSTN connection could include gate entry systems and alarm systems, payment terminals, lift lines, Fax (if you still use it) and CCTV. As you can imagine, failures in these areas could be deeply inconvenient at best, and a disaster for your business at worst. 

All in all, it’s best not to take a gamble on this one. 2025 PSTN switch-off dates might still seem distant enough, but the time to switch to digital services is rapidly drawing near. 

How to Prepare For Your Switch to Digital Tech

The first thing to remember is that your switch away from PSTN will be a positive one. So, although you might be feeling a little irritated by the need for change, it will ultimately benefit you. By preparing well, your transition can be seamless and without glitches, hangups or hassle. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Check What You’ll Need From Your New Connection

You can begin by looking at your current internet usage – but you should add a margin of safety and consider that your future needs may be greater than your current ones. Low latency (resulting in high speeds) and high bandwidth (capacity) will serve you well – and you’ll get both with fibre. 

Your connection can take the form of the self-explanatory “fibre to the premises” (FTTP) or “fibre to the cabinet” (FTTC) which goes to a nearby street. Which is better? FTTP offers better speeds and is generally more stable. In practical terms, is VoIP different to fibre? Not really, VoIP depends on a fibre connection. 

Check Your Hardware

You may not need to replace all your older-tech hardware – some items (for example phone handsets) can be adapted, saving you costs. At the same time, you might be sacrificing an opportunity for greater efficiency if you hold on to your old tech. If you aren’t sure what to look for, a networking and communications specialist can help you to check things out. 

Train Your Team

Prepare your team to adopt the new technology and make the most of new features to improve efficiency. Since it will be new to you too, you may need to bring in an expert and conduct a training session. Your switch to fibre doesn’t mean you can’t keep working in the same way, but since it offers opportunities to work smarter, it makes sense to take advantage of all opportunities to do so. 

Benefits of Going Digital 

The benefits of making the change embrace your telephony as well as your internet use. Let’s explore some examples of this. 

Telephony

• Call quality will be streets ahead of what you experienced with analogue phone lines.
• It’s much easier to record calls and quicker to track them down and play them back when needed. 
• No more expensive in-office copper cables and connections – adding a new workstation? Just add the new user and make sure they have the necessary software. 
• Cut call costs to the bone by making calls using your internet connection – ask us about SIP trunks – virtual phone lines beat copper cable any day of the week.
• Super-flexible and scalable, VoIP means that you can add as many users as your bandwidth permits  – that’s likely to be far more users than you’ll ever need. Have employees who work from home or on-the-go? All they need to do is log in and calls can be transferred or made as easily as they would be if they were at the office. 

Internet

• Speedy internet saves time and eliminates frustration. And fibre is fast! It’s the difference between click and wait, click and wait and click, click, click – job done. 
• It’s far more reliable. There’ll be far fewer embarrassing moments when you have to tell customers your “system is down” and when downtimes occur, they should be much shorter. 
• Enhanced productivity, communication, efficacy, and profitability: these are all implied benefits of having fast, reliable internet. 
• Improved customer and employee satisfaction are additional spinoffs when you make the transition to digital – it’s just so much easier to get things done. 
• Better security helps to keep your business and its customers safe. Fibre signals are far less easy to hack or intercept and when attempts are made to do so, it’s easier to spot them quickly and take action. 

Depending on the technologies you use, there may be additional benefits in store – but these examples are likely to apply to most organisations. 

Why Starting Early Matters

With the PSTN switch-off still nearly two years away, it’s understandable to question the urgency of addressing it now. However, waiting until the eleventh hour might not be the most strategic approach and there are many reasons why taking an early look at the impending transition can offer substantial benefits.

Complexity of the Transition

The transition away from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is not a simple flip of a switch. It involves a comprehensive shift toward digital alternatives like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Unified Communications. Delving into the details early allows for a nuanced understanding of the transition’s complexity, helping individuals and businesses prepare for the changes ahead.

Avoiding Last-Minute Rush

Human nature often leans towards procrastination, and waiting until the last minute may result in a rushed decision-making process. By addressing the PSTN switch-off well in advance, there’s ample time to make informed choices, create a well-thought-out migration plan, and avoid the pitfalls associated with hasty transitions.

Testing and Adaptation Period

An early look at the transition provides a testing and adaptation period. It allows individuals and businesses to explore new technologies, understand their functionalities, and adapt to the changes gradually. This phased approach minimises the learning curve associated with adopting alternative communication solutions.

Mitigating Potential Challenges

Proactively considering the switch-off allows for the identification and mitigation of potential challenges. From technical glitches to service disruptions, early awareness provides the opportunity to devise solutions, implement preventative measures, and ensure a smoother transition when the switch-off date arrives.

Budget Planning and Cost-Efficiency

Financial considerations play a pivotal role in any transition. Planning for the PSTN switch-off well in advance allows for effective budget planning. It enables organisations to allocate resources strategically over the course of two years, preventing a sudden financial strain in the final stages leading up to the switch-off date.

Embracing Future-Ready Technologies

The switch-off isn’t just a regulatory requirement; it’s an opportunity to embrace future-ready technologies. Exploring alternatives early positions individuals and businesses to leverage the advantages of modern communication solutions sooner. This includes enhanced features, increased flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.

How Advantex Can Help

With Advantex, it all begins with a consultation. Talk to us about your organisation’s needs and allow us to ease your transition from analogue to digital. We’ve helped organisations ranging from education providers and government offices to private businesses to achieve seamless switchovers to digital communications- and we’ll be there to support you all the way through. 

Consider getting it all under one roof. We specialise in IT, communication technologies, access control and security solutions throughout the UK, and we’re here to help you. REQUEST A CALLBACK HERE and discover just how smooth your digital transition can be.