The switch to IP impacts businesses and households alike. You may be aware of the switch, but decoding the tech-heavy terminology involved with moving to Internet Protocol (IP) solutions can seem impossible. 

Businesses need to act now to avoid disruption. But how do you know where to start, and what do all these terms mean?

Our existing traditional phone network is being replaced with a newer, shinier version.

Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is a 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 digital phone network using IP technology (more on that later).

Here are three important terms you might come across:

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 Although it was an upgrade then, ISDN is now outdated and unable to compete with IP technology.

A term used to describe 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 will be offered nationwide by 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.

Otherwise known as stop serve, or the final stage of the switch to IP, this means switching off the existing analogue network. By the end of December 2025, PSTN will cease to exist. Any remaining services not switched to the new digital network will be lost.

The way we work has changed. Employees expect flexibility, customers want service on demand, and the move to all-IP will provide the perfect platform to support this. All-IP refers to the switch to the new digital network that uses IP across a fibre-based service.

Our all-IP solutions enable broadband-connected devices to communicate and transmit data. While greater bandwidth means it’s better equipped for modern business needs, businesses will no longer pay by the minute for phone calls and will get better value from their network.

Plus, you can expect reduced energy costs, better collaboration via linking apps with video chat, and the ability to scale as your business changes.

We’ve outlined the all-IP acronyms you need to know:

Openreach is currently building this new network to enable the upgrade to digital, with greater speeds and improved reliability. In fact, this all-IP solution is the fastest type of fibre on the market. It is considered ‘full-fibre’ – offering a dedicated fibre optic cable connection. Crucially, when FTTP becomes available to 75% of properties in a specific location, the traditional phone network will be switched off.

This is a big one. VoIP enables phones to be connected to the internet wirelessly or with an ethernet cable. Our VoIP systems upgrade your business comms, allowing you to replace expensive legacy hardware with a flexible cloud phone system. Not only does this support hybrid working, but it helps your team offer a more personal customer experience.

This is broadband without the landline and requires VoIP to make and receive calls. This is a great alternative where FTTP is not yet available. Because you won’t need the PSTN line, you’ll be up and running quickly. Plus, you still get our fast speeds, far-reaching coverage and a simple, streamlined process.