The PSTN Switch Off
So, what is the PSTN Switch Off? The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) has been in use in this country since 1876, so it has understandably grown old and tired, and is increasingly costly to maintain. It is, therefore, time to replace with new and modern technology, fit for the digital world we now live in.
The PSTN is simply the copper wire network traditionally used to make and receive telephone calls but, with technology moving forward at a rapid rate, it’s no longer necessary, or as effective, to make calls using the old, degrading system.
Instead, it’s increasingly more cost-effective and reliable to use alternative methods such as a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solution or a SIP Trunking product.
As a result, the PSTN will reach end of life in December 2025 and will cease operation after then. At the end of December 2025, these fixed lines and services will be switched off and services withdrawn. Any businesses or consumers who have failed to switch to alternative telephony, will ultimately be left without service.
What do you need to do?
We’re one of only a handful of providers that are actively involved in industry planning meetings regarding the PSTN switch off so, don’t worry, we’ll keep you in the loop.
If you’re currently on an ISDN contract, you don’t need to do anything at the moment. But, be mindful that when your contract is up for renewal, you’ll probably need to switch to a VoIP phone solution.
There are now no new installations happening on the PSTN network and it will be completely switched off in 2025. So start considering VoIP alternatives to ensure your business doesn’t get left behind.
What are the dates?
November 2017
BT Group announce its intentions to switch off the PSTN network in 2025.
September 2018
Openreach commence workshops with service providers that responded to the initial consultation. Daisy were a part of this and continue to be involved.
Summer 2019
New single order broadband products undergo an early marketing launch. These products will replace existing line rental and broadband offerings.
September 2023
Customers cannot install a new line or increase the number of lines they have on ISDN or multi-line services.
December 2025
PSTN Network is permanently switched off.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you’d like to learn more about the PSTN Switch Off and how you can make sure your business is prepared, read on to find out everything you need to know.
PSTN stands for Public Switched Telephone Network. It’s the copper wire network set up for analogue voice communication, meaning landlines and analogue phones. Then came the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) which uses the traditional PSTN network to allow the digital transmission of voice, video, and other services simultaneously. But with technology moving forward at a rapid rate, it’s no longer necessary, or as effective, to make calls using the old, degrading system.
The 2025 PSTN switch off will affect all homes and businesses currently operating on ISDN or PSTN lines, meaning consequences for anyone still relying on fixed landlines for communication. If your business has Ethernet in the First Mile, Fibre Ethernet or FTTP, your services will not be impacted.
Essentially, yes. The PSTN Switch Off also means a landline switch off and analogue phone switch off. After BT Openreach stop traditional phone lines, the UK will go through a complete digital switchover in 2025. All analogue phones will cease to work in both homes and businesses.
Traditional PBX systems will be replaced by VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), phone systems that allows you to make calls over the internet. The results are better quality calls, smaller bills, and a whole host of features. VoIP solutions are also scalable and can grow with your business.
There’s also the option of SIP Trunking which combines VoIP technology with your existing on-premise telephone system to preserve your current features, numbers, and call quality while adding the benefits of a hosted voice solution.
If you currently have a broadband service that is supported on a single line, your provider will be in touch to migrate this to an alternative single order broadband (SoGEA). This means that your broadband will move to a single service with no line rental. If you’re using your line for voice, you’ll be offered a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) alternative.
If your business needs an even faster connection, you should look into Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). Full fibre isn’t available UK-wide yet, but you can see if your business is in a full fibre enabled area with our postcode checker now.
If you already have an ultrafast broadband or ethernet product and do not use any traditional voice services, you won’t see any changes as you’re already using new digital technology.
It’s not just traditional telephony that sits on PSTN lines; other devices such as alarm lines, payment terminals, fax machines, and security cameras also utilise the network to transfer data. If you own any of these devices, you’ll need to find out whether they are IP-compatible from the manufacturer. Openreach can also provide line test facilities.
If they aren’t IP-compatible, these devices will need to be replaced. Otherwise, they can be moved onto a single order product. Or if you’re looking to go wireless, there’s the option of connecting these devices over IoT (Internet of Things) networks via intelligent mobile data.
If you have an ISDN line, you’ll need to consider new options for your business telephone communications such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) as the ISDN phase out happens.
Telephone services no longer have to rely on the degrading copper infrastructure. With VoIP, your data transmits over the internet. However, for your new VoIP system to work, you’ll need a good quality internet connection so the solution can run seamlessly.
From September 2023, Openreach will issue a full ‘stop sell’ of new supply meaning there will be no new line installation for Single PSTN lines or ISDN. Customers who already have the affected Openreach products will be able to continue using them until the switch off. Consumer rights during this period will still be upheld so line transfers will be accepted providing there is no change to the installation when the line moves from one provider to another.
Your provider will strive to migrate all PSTN services to alternative fibre solutions before the December 2025 deadline. However, if any of your services remain on the PSTN network, then they will be withdrawn. Any businesses or consumers that fail to switch to alternative telephony will ultimately be left without service.
