The way we make telephone calls and access copper-based broadband internet is undergoing significant changes. Surprisingly, 46% of 400,000 surveyed UK SME businesses have no awareness of this transformation. 

The 5th September 2023 saw the “stop sell” of analogue services such as PSTN lines, ISDN, Fibre To The Cabinet FTTC and ADSL internet connections, meaning no NEW services could be ordered from that date,  and suitable digital alternatives should be considered.

It is essential that businesses pay attention. 

If this is a little daunting you could always reach out to us and arrange a free consultation. We’d be happy to explore options for you. 

You could use our contact page, give us a call on 03333444190 or use our 2 min typeform.

The Big Switch Off

Openreach has announced its plan to retire the PSTN and ISDN networks by December 2025. This phased switch-off began in 2020, meaning your services might be affected sooner than expected.

The purpose behind this change is to replace outdated cabling and equipment with new technology that is better suited for the digital age. The deployment of this new infrastructure is already well underway.

So, what does this mean for you? Will your telephones and internet continue to function when these networks are phased out, or should you take action now?

Instead of waiting until the last minute, dealing with this transition sooner rather than later offers several benefits. It would be worth considering speaking to someone to explore how this could benefit you.

A little insight as to what is going on:

Here’s additional information about the upcoming switch-off and steps you can take to prepare:

1. Understanding PSTN and ISDN lines: PSTN lines are traditional phone lines that handle one call at a time and may also carry broadband internet services. ISDN2 and ISDN30 were successors to PSTN, providing 2 to 30 channels of voice or data to enable multiple concurrent calls.
2. The PSTN and ISDN switch-off: The copper network isn’t entirely being replaced. Fibre optic cables, with their higher data capacity, are being rolled out to meet our evolving communication needs. However, not all areas have access to fibre yet. While copper will still be in place, services relying on analogue voice over copper lines will cease to function. Users will need digital alternatives such as SOGEA (alternative to Fibre to the cabinet) or FTTP Full Fibre To The Premises to replace them.
3. Technological advancements: ISDN, introduced in the 1980s, is no longer sufficient to meet the demands of our digital world. The way we consume digital content today wouldn’t be possible with the outdated networks of the past. An all-digital infrastructure is necessary to support the growing need for connectivity and bandwidth.
4. Should your business be concerned? Yes, your business should be concerned, but there’s no need to panic. Help is available if you know where to look. It’s crucial to start thinking about this transition now to avoid unnecessary stress and disruption. Many businesses are already migrating to new services, but a significant number have not.
5. Preparing for the switch-off: To ensure you are prepared, consider the following step

• Research voice technology and explore how IP-enabled phones can benefit your business.
• Consider your future plans, such as moving or expanding into new premises and enabling remote work for your staff.
• Don’t rush into purchasing a replacement solution that may not be the best fit. Seek advice to choose the most suitable option for your needs.
• Talk to a partner such as HM Network to help you find the right solution for your use case.

Some voice alternatives to consider:

• SIP trunks: Virtual phone lines delivered over an internet connection, providing IP telephony while maintaining your existing on-premises phone system.
• “Direct Routing” for Microsoft Teams/Office 365/Zoom: Route phone numbers directly to applications installed on business machines and mobiles, eliminating the need for physical phones on every desk.
• Cloud-based or “Hosted” VoIP solution: A virtualised phone system hosted in the cloud, offering flexibility, scalability, and integration with other UC applications allowing staff to work from wherever they need to.
• Mobile Data with voice – Need the ability to make voice calls but don’t want or cannot have a physical line? At HM Network we also offer a range of PSTN replacement services including SIP Overlay Hardware and DaaS (Device as a Service) router options. You can even pay monthly for a 4/5G router with voice enabled SIM allowing you to connect standard telephones or lift lines for example without the upfront expense of buying the hardware.

Fixed line internet connection alternatives:

• Full Fibre Broadband services,
• Copper based digital lines such as SoGEA, SoDSL,
• Ethernet leased line,
• Mobile Data Options (4G/5G) SIM only or supplied with a suitable router option,
• Satellite Internet Options such as the SpaceX – Starlink system.

Ready to switch?

Switching to new services might seem daunting, but telecoms companies have been preparing for this transition on a large scale for years.

Research your options and seek help from reputable companies such as HM Network who can help advise and minimise disruption when the changeover occurs.

Sooner or later?

Delaying the switch could result in being in a queue for assistance, leaving you without phone lines and negatively impacting your business.

If you would like to talk to us about your options, you can get in touch with us at HM Network in a number of ways.

Use our our contact page,  our 2 min typeform, or give us a call on 03333444190 and we will help you find the best solution for you.