As you may have already heard, the PSTN switch off will complete by December 2025. Let’s look at what this means and how you can prepare your business.
What’s changing?
The Public Switch Telephone Network or PSTN, is an old platform using underground copper wires to allow us to communicate. As technology has advanced especially with the rise of internet calls and video conferencing, this platform has become harder to maintain and doesn’t have the capabilities to keep up with the demands of the way we communicate in the 21st century.
Digital services will replace PSTN meaning customers will make calls through their broadband or mobile data using IP (Internet Protocol) and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).
Preparing your business
Due to the switch off, you’ll need to move your business from PSTN to the latest IP solution by 2025. Making the switch sooner than later will help futureproof your business and save it from running into potential problems.
As many alarms are connected to phone lines, if these are still running on the analogue network when the switch off happens, these will become inoperable. BT and other providers are aware of how many businesses use PSTN lines and the impact this will have, but ultimately making the switch and preparing your business is your responsibility. The sooner you look into alternative digital solutions, the smoother the transition will be as this will give you valuable time to plan and become familiar with the new digital solutions instead of leaving this until the 2025 deadline.
If you’re looking for more help or would like to be put in touch with one of our experts for more information, take a look at our help article The PSTN and ISDN switch-off: what it means for you or please reach out to us!
