Prepare Your Business for the PSTN Switch-Off

Find out what the PSTN Switch-Off means for your business, what services will be impacted and how to future-proof your business with the right solutions

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What is the PSTN Switch Off?

Traditional telephony and broadband connectivity has been supported by a network of analogue copper lines known as the PSTN or the slightly more modern, but still outdated ISDN. This means that all solutions that still rely on PSTN/ISDN will need to move over to solutions that solely run via the internet or fibre technology. The deadline for the Switch-Off is 2027 – but it is a process that will be completed gradually, and it has already begun with the network becoming obsolete in locations around the UK.

If your business still relies on the PSTN/ISDN to power your solutions, the time to move to over to digital solutions is now to avoid your business communications, connectivity and business solutions being affected by the Switch-Off.

Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) - Elite Group

PSTN Switch-Off Jargon Buster

PSTN: Public Switched Telephone Network – old network that powers traditional telephone lines and legacy connectivity solutions.
ISDN: Integrated Services Digital Network, – old network that transmits both data and voice over a digital line.
VoIP: Voice over Internet Protocol – allows you to make and receive calls over the internet.
PBX: Private Branch Exchange – the general term used to describe a business telephone system.
Stop Sell: the locations where it will no longer be possible to purchase WLR products.
FTTC: Fibre to the Cabinet – a broadband connection that runs from your provider to roadside cabinets and connects to your business via a copper wire.
FTTP: Fibre to the Premises – fastest type of fibre on the market, offering a dedicated fibre optic cable connection from your local exchange to your business – no copper connections required!
SoGEA: Single Order Generic Ethernet Access, a broadband connection that doesn’t require an analogue phone line.

Why Is It Happening and What Will Replace the PSTN?

The reason the PSTN/ISDN is being shut down is because it no longer serves the needs of the modern world. We’ve moved on from only needing voice capabilities from our business phone system. We’re utilising video calls, instant messaging and other channels that the PSTN or ISDN wasn’t designed to support. We are also demanding more from our connectivity to power a range of business services such as communications, technology, security and more, which copper solutions don’t have the speeds or bandwidth to cope with. Instead, the world is moving on to digital solutions powered by full-fibre connectivity and delivering voice services over the internet.

Not only will moving to internet-based and fibre, digital solutions future-proof your business, it will provide a wealth of new features and opportunities too. From improving communications to boosting productivity, streamlining processes and providing a better experience for your customers, digital solutions have the power to take your business to the next level.

What Solutions Are Affected by the PSTN Switch Off

Discover the legacy solutions that will become obsolete when the PSTN/ISDN is switched off.

ADSL Broadband

A legacy broadband technology that relies on a fixed single phone line connected to the PSTN.

communications solutions that grows with your business

FTTC

Connected to businesses via legacy copper lines which will become obsolete.

roaming costs can be reduced with an international tariff or bolt-on

Analogue Lines & Calls Services

Any solutions that rely on physical copper lines will need to swap to VoIP.

Traditional PBX

Relies on a PSTN/ISDN-reliant traditional PBX, so will no longer work if not upgraded to VoIP.

What Solutions Can Replace Business PSTN-Reliant Services?

Not sure which is the best internet-based alternative for your analogue solution? Whether you need to move away from a legacy phone line or a PSTN-reliant connectivity solution, our handy guide shows you which services will become obsolete during the PSTN Switch-Off and the best alternative solution that your business can move to in order to keep your business moving.

Click the download button to check it out now.

Download Guide

Common Business Services Affected by the Switch-Off

Many key solutions that use the PSTN will need to be replaced by internet-based solutions. This isn’t an exhaustive list of solutions that will be affected by the Switch-Off, but it will give you an idea of the solutions within your business that you will need to change to accommodate the phasing out of the PSTN/ISDN.

Legacy broadband connections – ADSL, FTTC, etc.
Analogue phone lines
Door entry systems
Traditional PBX phone systems
Emergency lines
Alarm systems
ATMs
Lifts
CCTV

The PSTN Switch-Off Timeline

Be one step ahead of the game with key PSTN Switch-Off dates you need to know.

2017

Openreach announces intentions to switch off the PSTN/ISDN in 2027.

2019

Openreach strengthens the fibre network.

2022

Over 200 areas in stop-sale phase - everyone within these areas are unable to add new PSTN/ISDN services.

2023

Nationwide stop-sale by September 2023 - no PSTN services will be available to purchase throughout the UK.

2027

Nationwide stop service - PSTN/ISDN is phased out and all reliant services will become obsolete.

PSTN Switch Off Replacement Services

We're here to make the move from the PSTN to internet-based technology simple, straightforward and cost-effective, by fuelling your digital transformation journey. Our range of products and services provide everything you need to replace or upgrade your existing solutions to future-proof your business, improve your operations and provide the best experience for your customers.

SOGEA

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Phoneline+

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Cloud Telephony

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Mobile Broadband

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Leased Lines

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How can the PSTN Switch-Off Benefit Your Business?

The PSTN Switch-Off has the power to kickstart your digital transformation journey.

Lower Costs

Reduced upfront costs and cheaper maintenance and management, compared with legacy, analogue solutions.

Increased Flexibility

Your team can access your solutions from a range of devices in a variety of locations.

Enhanced Features

Digital solutions offer more advanced features for increased productivity.

When your business grows, your unified communication solution grows with it

Easy Scalability

No physical infrastructure to be installed means scaling your solution is simple and you only pay for what you use.

FAQs

The PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) are two networks that transfer voice and data over analogue copper lines. The PSTN is the traditional physical phone network that has been around since the 19th century. The ISDN provides digital connectivity to provide a range of services, both voice and non-voice, and was introduced in 1960, when the PSTN was unable to provide long-distance connections.

Traditional landline telephony is being phased out in favour of feature-rich, reliable and resilient VoIP telephony. Rather than calls travelling over the complex, analogue PSTN system, traffic will now be routed via your broadband connection instead. If your business still relies on traditional telephony that utilises analogue lines rather than the internet, you will need to switch over to VoIP telephony soon.

No. The 2027 deadline is just that - a deadline for the completion of the project. Work has already started in locations around the UK with businesses losing access to the PSTN. The time is now to switch to prevent disruption to your business and in order to find the best deals on new solutions for your business.

First you need to analyse which solutions within your business will need replacing before the switch off, then you will need to research which internet-based alternatives will be the best solution for your business. Engaging with a reputable and knowledgeable provider, like Elite Group, will ensure that you find the best solutions for your business at the best price. A specialist will work with you to identify your needs, before matching the right solution for those needs.

Anyone who is still relying on the PSTN and ISDN to power their solutions. Basically, if a solution is not delivered solely from an internet connection, then you will need to look at replacing that solution for an internet-based one. From telephony to broadband and infrastructure solutions, like CCTV - if it connected to the PSTN/ISDN is in any way, you will need to upgrade to an internet-based solution or risk downtime when this solution becomes obsolete during the Switch-Off.

Whether you need to move your broadband away from ADSL and onto a digital connectivity solution or you need to upgrade your phone system from a PSTN-reliant solution to a VoIP-ready solution, we're here to help. Our product suite and team of specialists provide everything you need to move away from the PSTN for good, whilst improving your business and even, potentially, saving your business money along the way.

Not necessarily. If you plan on accessing your new VoIP solution via an app, you can access it from a range of devices, including mobile phones, laptops, PCs and tablets, as well as VoIP-ready handsets. If you are still planning on utilising desk phones, then you will need to ensure that they can be connected to the internet or adapted for VoIP via an adapter. If you are not planning on using an app to access your business phone system and your handsets cannot be connected or adapted for VoIP, then you may need to consider replacing your hardware.

Making the move from the PSTN and onto digital solutions can be a daunting task. From finding the right solutions at the right price to implementing them within your business - there are a lot of hurdles that your business will have to manage. Working with the right provider can help to eliminate these hurdles as they will work with you to identify the solution you need for your business and take care of any installation and training you need to get the most out of your new digital solution.