PSTN Switch Off: Your Broadband Questions Answered

The Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) uses copper wiring to connect Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) together for a phoneline and broadband connection.

As broadband services have evolved in reliability and speed over the past 10 years, the PSTN has grown to support this change using digital technology. However, this development has meant that traditional fixed phone lines are quickly becoming irrelevant, resulting in the complete termination of the traditional PSTN and ISDN networks. With the switch off fast approaching, we wanted to answer some of your Broadband FAQs and becoming fully digital come 2025.

What is the difference between FTTC and FTTP?

Fibre Broadband can currently be connected in two ways. Fibre to the Premises or ‘FTTP’ delivers a complete fibre broadband connection directly to a site for increased speeds and reliable connection. FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) delivers a fibre connection to the green cabinets located on the street, with the copper network then connecting the cabinet to the premise. FTTP removes the need for the copper-based network, providing superfast and future-proof connectivity. Therefore, with the PSTN soon to be switched off, FTTC will cease to exist.

When will the traditional copper internet connections be stopped?

BT announced that the closure of the PSTN network is set for 2025. This means that the Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) and Integrated Service Digital Network (ISDN) will also no longer be available post 2025. It was announced that a national stop sell would incur from 2023 to support the transition away from WLR, with Mildenhall one of the first areas to trial this measure from 2021.

What connection will replace the PSTN?

From 2025, the UK will switch to entirely data-based technology, primarily in the form of Single Order Generic Ethernet Access (SoGEA) and Fibre internet connectivity. A SoGEA broadband connection has the potential to reach speeds of up to 330mb, with Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology continued for telephone services.

What is the difference between normal broadband and business broadband?

Business Broadband only shares bandwidth with other businesses. Connections are deployed with the highest speed to your premise, reliability is enhanced, and your data is carried over our business-only network, ensuring you're never competing for bandwidth with residential lines. It also offers high-level download/upload speeds with enhanced service level agreements (SLAs).

Quick wins to improve your internet speeds

• Position your internet router away from other devices

• Keep your router switched on

• Use an ethernet cable to connect

• Use only audio for conference calls (not video)

• Turn off Wi-Fi on interfering devices

How do I stop my broadband speeds from dropping in the evening?

It can be a struggle to maintain speeds when sharing home broadband with family members. The best way to counter this is to limit streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime and online gaming platforms. Downloading movies and tv shows in advance can help to increase your speeds for the evening.

How will I be able to connect calls post-2025?

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 any mobile, desktop soft-phone or traditional handset, giving you more flexibility and control.

The Telecoms World bespoke hosted software provides you with complete call control, 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.

PhoneLine+ includes personalised Out of Hours Voicemail, Business Number Presentation and in-depth Call Analytics. Cloud-based telephony also opens businesses up to a vast number of additional capabilities including Call Recording, Interactive Voice Response, Conference Calls and more.

To learn more about PhoneLine+, please don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated team of experts on 0800 774 7772.

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