Are you Switch On for the PSTN Switch-Off?

As of the 5th September 2023, BT Openreach initiated the first phase of the PSTN Switch-off with the national stop-sell of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). This means that BT Openreach are no longer offering new PSTN-based services. It’s important to understand that you can continue using pre-existing legacy PSTN services until the complete Switch-off in January 2027. However, during this period, you will not be able to purchase any new services or modify any existing services that rely on ISDN or PSTN. 

 BT Openreach has announced it intends to Switch-off the traditional, analogue telephone network in January 2027. 

 As PSTN has formed the infrastructure for UK telecommunications the 1800s, unsurprisingly it has become antiquated and costly to maintain. BT Openreach are switching off the PSTN and ISDN network to pave the way for a fully digital network which can meet the demands of the new digital era. 

 The PSTN Switch-off will affect all businesses currently operating using PSTN and ISDN services. If you fall into this category, you will need to move to the new network by January 2027 to keep your communication services operational. 

 Businesses should start preparing for the PSTN Switch-off now, to ensure smooth transition to VoIP technology. Failing to prepare for this transition can result in disruptions to business operations. 

 If your business relies on both phone and internet services provided through the PSTN, the transition to VoIP and fibre broadband is even more crucial. Whether you need fibre broadband or phone services, Gamma can help in both instances. 

VoIP technology has revolutionised conventional communication, surpassing the capabilities of PSTN and ISDN services with more cost-effective and advanced features. VoIP leverages an existing internet connection for phone calls. Initially, this solution appeared risky, as it heavily relied on the quality of the internet connection to ensure stable calls.

Today, most broadband services provide sufficient speed to mitigate concerns related to call quality. VoIP telephony is a simpler choice than it may seem, demanding far less hardware than PSTN and ISDN services.

VoIP presents a versatile option that can be utilised across a range of devices, spanning from traditional desk phones to mobile devices, tablets, and computers.

If you are still using ADSL, ADSL2+* or have a FTTC internet connection that runs over an analogue PSTN telephone line then you will need to upgrade your internet connection.

If you have already upgraded to SoGEA, have a full fibre FTTP connection or if your business uses a dedicated leased line then you should not be impacted by the PSTN Switch-off but we would recommend checking in any event.

*Available until March 2024 – UK ADSL Stop Sell – only applicable to areas where SoGEA / FTTP is unavailable.

All technology that uses the PSTN network will be impacted. The transition will affect services such as security and fire alarms, telecare devices, and retail payment terminals and any other devices that rely on the PSTN. These services depend on certain PSTN features not entirely replicated in VoIP platforms, potentially impacting residential, commercial, and public sector users. Manufacturers have utilised BT’s testing facility to adapt their equipment to the new All IP network, and a list of those who have completed testing can be found.

If you are unsure about how a device in your business might be affected, we recommend you contact the equipment supplier or device manufacturer to find out whether it will remain functional on a digital phone line. If you are buying a new alarm or device, you should check it is compatible with VoIP services.

 Emergency services that rely on PSTN connections will be impacted by the switch off. Telecoms companies are required by Ofcom to take all necessary measures to ensure uninterrupted access to emergency organisations for their customers, including in the event of a power cut. For most customers, telecoms companies recommend using a mobile phone as a backup in case of a power cut. If you live somewhere where there’s no signal, in the UK, national roaming is enabled in order to make emergency calls. This means you can use any mobile phone network to contact the emergency services, even if you are not a customer. You may see the message ‘Emergency calls only’ displayed on your handset if this is the case.