The PSTN Switch Off is a major hot topic, and like with any hot topic, the facts have become muddied with countless myths and misconceptions.
As a businessperson, you may find it hard to know what to believe and in turn, how you should respond to the news.
Daisy Communications is here to separate the fact from the fiction so you can prime your business in the right way, at the right time.
Fact 1: The Switch Off IS coming
With such a big change as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) being permanently shut off, it’s easy to believe that there will be significant delays to plans, if it even happens at all.
We’re here to assure you that the PSTN Switch Off is coming. After all, Openreach has assured that December 2025 is a strict deadline and not a goal.
To date, 599 exchanges nationwide have entered the first phase of the Switch Off; the national stop sell.
By September 2023, all locations across the UK will have entered stop sell. Consequently, this means you will no longer be able to add to or expand any PSTN-reliant phone systems, landlines or broadband connections no matter where you’re located.
Fact 2: You WILL feel the impact of the PSTN Switch Off before 2025
If you rely on a traditional on-premise phone system or broadband connection like ADSL or FTTC, after September 2023 you may start to feel the impact.
Not only will you no longer be able to add to or expand your non-cloud-based phone system or broadband, you may also notice a change in the service you experience*.
To steer customers away from PSTN-reliant products, Openreach has begun trialling line degradation in areas like Mildenhall and Salisbury.
So, is it really worth facing a limited service, frustrating both you and your customers, for a change you’ll have to make in the future anyway? Certainly not.
Fact 3: When you switch DOES matter
The PSTN Switch Off may be two years away but waiting to implement a futureproof alternative could be extremely costly to your business.
Demand for VoIP phone systems and Fibre Broadband is skyrocketing. Accordingly, this trend that will only continue to surge as we approach the deadline: December 2025.
The longer you wait the more likely you will see price increases, and the more likely you will face installation delays. Providers and engineers will be overloaded with demand from businesses that decided to adopt new technologies first and may be unable to assist when you need them to.
The PSTN Switch Off is real and just around the corner. But we’re here to help make it as simple as possible for you and your business.
Learn more about the PSTN Switch Off and what you can do to prime your business with these helpful resources:
- Download our PSTN Switch Off guide
- Your PSTN Switch Off questions answered
- What do I do if I’ve got an ISDN line? (For traditional phone system and landline users)
- Will my broadband be impacted? (For ADSL, FTTC and other PSTN-reliant connections)
*Please note: Some phone systems can be upgraded to incorporate cloud calling. This means you may be able to maintain your existing system past the Switch Off but action will still be required.
Speak to a member of our sales team to discuss your next steps on 03300 534 125 or by filling out this quick form.
