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 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The purpose behind this change is to replace outdated cabling and equipment with new technology that is better suited for the digital age.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.

Some Background

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 The way we consume digital content today wouldn’t be possible with the outdated networks of the past.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 just yet. 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 steps:

• 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.

Three 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.

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