The Future Is Fibre: Preparing for the PSTN Switch Off
The world of telecommunications is undergoing a significant transformation.
The once-reliable Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which has served us well for over a century, is now on the brink of retirement. The reason? It's simply not up to the task of meeting the communication demands of the 21st century.
The PSTN, encompassing analogue and digital phone lines, business-oriented ISDN phone systems, and older internet connections like ADSL and FTTC broadband, is being replaced by a more robust alternative—fibre.
Openreach is working tirelessly to upgrade local telephone exchanges across the UK, transitioning to a full-fibre network that promises swift, dependable, and cost-efficient connectivity.
Find out everything you need to know about the ISDN & PSTN switch off and why you need to upgrade and compare business broadband solutions today.
Why is the PSTN Network Being Switched Off?
The traditional PSTN network, comprised of ageing copper cables, is rapidly deteriorating. Maintenance costs are skyrocketing, and the network's fragility is increasing. The PSTN, originally installed in the late 1800s, is ill-equipped to cater to the demands of modern communications. As the UK steers towards a digital future, the need for higher speeds and wider bandwidth is burgeoning. The solution? Digital technology.
When Is The Switch Off?
By 2025, BT Openreach is slated to deactivate the PSTN. This directive applies to everyone in the UK, including businesses, who are currently reliant on PSTN-based services. The transition to a new service before this impending switch-off is imperative. Openreach has undertaken an ambitious endeavour to install fibre-optic infrastructure, with a target to upgrade all connections nationwide by 2025.
How Will This Affect Your Business Broadband?
Approximately 2.4 million businesses throughout the UK still use the outdated telephone lines and ISDN networks facilitated by the PSTN.
With the imminent PSTN switch-off, it’s vital to ensure that your business doesn’t fall within this category, as legacy systems are poised to become inoperable. For enterprises presently utilizing ISDN/PSTN telephony or broadband services, the moment has come to delve into the advantages of transitioning to fibre-based technology.
What Are The Alternatives?
While the full PSTN switch-off in 2025 might seem distant, the impact will be felt much sooner in numerous UK locations due to the impending halt on new ISDN or PSTN-based services. By September 2023, the ability to acquire a traditional phone line will vanish across all exchange areas. The present is the opportune time to delve into the promising realm of cutting-edge and future-proof services tailored to your business.
Heading into the future, fibre will take the lead. This means that all future phone calls will be conducted over the internet, leveraging IP technology and innovative solutions like VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) voice technology. Broadband options like SoGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access), FTTP (Fibre to the Premises), extensive fibre broadband, and reliable wireless leased lines will play pivotal roles in shaping this connectivity landscape.
Upgrade To Full Fibre Now
The PSTN switch-off mandates this change, but making the move to upgraded services and systems now empowers you to harness the advantages of hosted telephony and fibre connectivity well in advance of your competitors. In addition, it safeguards your business against future developments.
Businesses need to act now to upgrade broadband solutions. Let us compare business broadband solutions for you today.
The future is fibre, and the future is now. Are you ready to embrace it?
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