In the ever-evolving landscape of business communication, technological advancements continue to shape the way organisations connect and operate. As we look ahead, there is a significant development on the horizon that demands attention: the impending closure of the copper-based Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). 

But it should be noted that does not just affect voice or telephony services, if your broadband comes over a copper phone line, you may need to start looking at options to replace it. This shift necessitates businesses using copper-based broadband connections, such as ADSL and FTTC, to consider replacing them with full fibre broadband (FTTP) or Single Order Generic Ethernet Access (SOGEA). 

In this post we will explore the reasons behind this transition and the benefits that come with embracing the next generation of broadband technology.

The Phase-Out of Copper-Based PSTN:

The legacy PSTN infrastructure, which has been relied upon for decades, is gradually being phased out in many countries. The switch to digital communication technologies, including Voice over IP (VoIP) and other internet-based telephony systems, is leading to the decommissioning of traditional copper-based phone lines. This move aims to improve efficiency, enable better quality communication, and make way for new innovations.

The Need for Full Fibre Broadband (FTTP) and SOGEA:

Copper-based broadband connections, such as Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) and Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC), rely on a mix of copper and fibre-optic cables. While these technologies have served businesses well, they are limited in their capacity to deliver faster and more reliable internet speeds. This is particularly crucial in the digital age, where seamless communication, cloud-based services, and data-intensive applications have become the norm.

Full Fibre Broadband (FTTP) and Single Order Generic Ethernet Access (SOGEA) represent the next generation of connectivity, providing businesses with improved speed, scalability, and reliability. FTTP utilises fibre-optic cables from the internet service provider (ISP) directly to the premises, while SOGEA leverages a fibre connection to the local green cabinet, but still uses a copper tail from the cabinet to the property. A similar service was known as FTTC or Fibre To The Cabinet, but this still provided an analogue phone service too, SOGEA is essentially a digital connection over copper that does not provide analogue telephony also. 

These modern solutions empower businesses to optimise their operations, embrace emerging technologies, and meet the growing demands of the digital landscape.

The Benefits of Upgrading:

1. Enhanced Speed and Reliability: Full fibre broadband offers much faster upload and download speeds, ensuring lightning-fast data transfers and seamless connectivity. This enables businesses to collaborate effectively, utilise cloud-based services effortlessly, and deliver an exceptional user experience.
2. Scalability: With the growing reliance on cloud computing, data storage, and bandwidth-intensive applications, businesses need a network that can scale alongside their requirements. Full fibre broadband provides the necessary infrastructure to accommodate future growth and evolving business needs.
3. Future-Proofing: As the copper-based PSTN network becomes obsolete, upgrading to full fibre broadband future-proofs your business communication infrastructure. By embracing the latest technology, you stay ahead of the curve and position your organisation for success in the digital era.
4. Cost Efficiency: Upgrading to FTTP or SOGEA does not even need significant investment from you the end user plus the long-term cost benefits can be  substantial. These technologies can help to deliver increased productivity, reduced downtime, and be more reliable than the old services they replace.
5. Competitive Advantage: In today’s fast-paced business environment, staying competitive requires leveraging technology to its fullest potential. Upgrading to full fibre broadband provides a competitive edge by enabling faster data transfer, smoother customer interactions, and seamless collaboration with remote teams.

To Conclude

The impending closure of the copper-based PSTN network marks a significant turning point in the way businesses connect and communicate. To adapt and thrive in the digital age, it is crucial for businesses currently relying on copper-based broadband connections like ADSL and FTTC to consider upgrading to full fibre broadband (FTTP) or Single Order Generic Ethernet Access (SOGEA). 

By embracing these advanced technologies, businesses can unlock new possibilities, increase productivity, and future-proof their communication infrastructure. Investing in the right broadband infrastructure today sets the stage for a more efficient, connected, and prosperous tomorrow.

If you need some help or would like a chat feel free to reach out to us via www.hm-network.com/contact