PSTN Switch Off: Addressing your worries and concerns

The end of the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) has many people and businesses raising similar questions and concerns. With everyone moving to data-only connectivity for their phone and internet requirements from 2025, there are many questions relating to what will happen in the event of a disaster and what back-up processes are in place for businesses to recover quickly.

The traditional copper-based network is officially coming to an end from 2025, at which point, we will no longer be able to make phone calls without an internet connection. Instead, landline services will be used through an entirely internet-based connection, providing a future-proof, convenient and cost-effective solution to the PSTN switch off.

What if I cannot access a broadband connection in my area?

Ofcom have advised that if you’re in the rare position in which you do not currently have a broadband connection, you will be given the option to purchase a simple connection rather than having to pay out for high-speed services.

An Openreach representative reassured us in a recent BBC article that “nobody will find themselves being cut off”, meaning that customers will be able to continue to use existing analogue services (unless switching providers) until the 2025 phase out of the PSTN. According to Ofcom, only 2% of homes in the UK are unable to access basic 10Mbps broadband connection, and the BBC reported on a survey in April suggesting that only 40% of people in the UK had now stopped using landlines altogether.

The BBC also quoted Ben Wood from CCS Insight advising “for the vast majority of people, the landline is now just an annoying tax they have to pay when they want internet access”. It’s an interesting point Ben makes here – with many businesses across the UK now using their mobile phones or cloud-based phone systems, there’s not much need for the traditional landline anymore – so there is arguably no need for this unnecessary and outdated way of communicating.

Are internet-based calls less reliable?

In most cases, internet-based calls are, in fact, more reliable and customers shouldn’t notice a drop in reliability. Voice calls require a relatively small amount of data to function, and with modern internet connections faster than ever, it’s unlikely for calls to become less reliable going forward.

What happens in the event of a power cut?

There may be some concern over what should happen in the event of a power failure. Internet-based phones rely on home routers and similar devices, and Ofcom announced that phone operators must provide back-up solutions to ensure that customers are able to contact emergency services if and when required.

According to the BBC, Virgin intends to offer battery-powered back-up lines for those who cannot rely on a mobile device to make calls during a power cut. The battery is reported to provide 24 hours of standby and one hour of talk time, with an engineer installing a small box in the customers home to successfully connect.

Will any other systems be affected?

A number of additional systems will be affected by the 2025 switch off including home burglar alarms, security systems, public traffic lights, cash machines, railway signals and motorway signs. All of these will switch to fully-digital alternatives as well as local batteries once the network closes. Crown Commercial Services advised “These services are dependent on the voltage supplied by the PSTN and all will need local batteries in addition to an internet connection, with some requiring more complex solutions.”. A spokesman for Transport for London informed BBC News that 1,000 of its 6,400 sets of traffic lights currently monitors remotely using PSTN technology and a working group has been setup to explore options for replacement telecoms services.

How can I prepare for the 2025 switch off?

Many businesses still use the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), connecting their phone systems and handsets using physical copper wire into the onsite and local exchange, where calls are then routed through the PSTN. With a looming deadline for all businesses, now is the time to seriously think about the change to cloud-based telephony.

Introducing PhoneLine+ from Telecoms World – a simple and cost-effective replacement to the traditional telephone line. This replacement solution allows you to make and receive calls from a mobile, desktop soft-phone or traditional handset, giving you more flexibility and control.

The Telecoms World hosted software provides you with complete control over users and numbers, making it easy to add and remove users and reallocate phone numbers as and when required. It’s quick and simple to transfer your existing phone number over to us saving you time and money without the need to update your marketing, signage or stationary. Alternatively, we can setup your PhoneLine+ account with a new local area number to suit your business requirements.

For more information on PhoneLine+ and friendly advice about moving to data-only connectivity before the 2025 deadline, contact our teams of experts on 0800 774 7772.

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