The digital switchover is coming, and your phone lines and other analogue technology needs to be ready for the big PSTN switch-off by 2027.
What is the PSTN switch-off?
Our existing traditional phone network is being replaced with a newer, shinier version.
Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is an analogue, legacy platform using underground copper wires to enable communication. But this hardware can no longer sustain modern requirements and is steadily declining amid a shift to cloud-based systems.
So, we’re switching to a fully digital phone network using IP (Internet Protocol) technology. We’ve already started. We plan to have moved everyone over before Openreach stop the PSTN (and ISDN) service by 2027. By then, every phone line in the UK will be digital, routing calls over IP rather than the traditional PSTN. Any remaining services not switched to the new digital network will be lost.
Alongside PSTN, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) lines are being put to bed. In 1986, some older analogue landlines were replaced with ISDN, improving the service and adding features that weren’t available with the traditional telephone system. Although it was an upgrade then, ISDN is now outdated and unable to compete with IP technology.
Can I still buy traditional phone line services?
There will be an end to the sale of traditional phone line services, including copper and Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC). These traditional networks aren’t suitable for the transition to digital, so no new services have been offered nationwide as of September 2023. It’s worth noting that although traditional phone lines will no longer be available to purchase or make changes to, we will continue to provide maintenance support until the switch off.
Who does the PSTN switch-off affect?
The digital switch-off will affect everyone, in both business and the home. And it’s not just your phone services you need to think about. It’s everything else that currently uses the old phone network – all your non-voice services connected to PSTN or ISDN lines such as alarms, EPOS machines, door entry systems, CCTV, and faxes.
You can find out more about affected devices by downloading our device switchover whitepaper (PDF, 13.7MB) - link to download 'Not just your phone lines'.pdf
Why is this happening?
PSTN has been the backbone of the UK’s phone network for decades. But we’ve all seen the dramatic changes in technology over the past few years, especially recently. It’s all around us: smartphones, apps, the cloud, Zoom, Internet of Things, and so on.
What you probably don’t notice is the infrastructure that makes everything work. The telephone lines strung across the streets, the web of copper cables buried beneath you, some of which have been there since the 19th century.
Is IP technology better than PSTN?
Yes. As an essentially 20th century technology, the PSTN network is increasingly out of kilter with the demands of modern communications. As people switch to mobile and internet communications, everyone demands much more than the traditional technologies were designed to deliver. It’s now time to leap forward from PSTN to IP and embrace the boundless possibilities of digital.
Even at the basic level, you’ll be able to make and take calls on any device, from wherever you are on the same number. You’ll be able to link your business applications and systems to video chat, calls and collaboration, so you’re closer to customers and colleague. And, with everything stored in the cloud, you’ll be able to access your systems from anywhere and work from any location.
What’s the difference between cloud and IP telephony?
Cloud telephony is an internet-based service that lowers the cost of a business phone solution by removing the need for expensive equipment at the business premise. It’s an application of VoIP technology that provides more advanced features and flexibility by leveraging cloud infrastructure.
While IP technology does encompass cloud telephony, it also includes SIP. This is an internet-based telephone numbering solution to enable legacy premise-based equipment.
What about the rest of the world?
The switch to digital is happening everywhere, fast. As technology and customer behaviour changes, phone companies across the world are moving from analogue to digital. Germany, Japan, and Sweden are ahead of us in making the shift. Estonia and The Netherlands have already switched off their PSTN networks.
Why do we need to switch now for 2027?
We need to start planning your move today because there could be a lot to do. Remember, it’s not just about calls. Everything connected to your phone lines, like door entry systems and alarms needs to reviewed. Many businesses have already embraced an all-digital model by moving their communications to the cloud, making calls over the internet, and embracing video conferencing.
What do I do next?
Take a look how to kick-start your move to IP for some pointers on where to start.
You can also discover IP insights and what is IP technology.