You might have heard some talk about the big PSTN and ISDN switch-off in 2025. But what exactly does this mean for you and your business?
What is the switch-off?
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), the network that traditional landline phones operate on, is being switched off. Whilst the full PSTN switch off isn’t going to happen until 31 January 2027, as that date nears the network is going to become less reliable and more prone to faults that go unfixed.
Therefore, BT is advising businesses that still have a traditional phone line to move over to a fully digital service – such as VoIP phones – by the end of December 2025 at the latest.
Why is the switch-off happening?
The PSTN is now very old and fragile, and therefore hard to maintain. The network is 20th century technology, and unable to keep up with the demands of modern 21st century communications.
People are increasingly moving away from traditional phone lines, and instead using mobile and internet communications to stay connected. The PSTN is no longer fit for purpose, which is why it is being switched off to make way for a completely digital service.
What services will the switch-off affect?
Many services use the PSTN to operate, including alarm systems, CCTV, door entry systems, and more. These will all need to be updated before the switch-off, or they will stop working. If your broadband needs a traditional phone line to operate, this may need to be updated as well.
Traditional phone lines aren’t the only service to consider. The Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) will also stop working when the PSTN is switched off.
What does this mean for your business?
If you haven’t already, now is the time to make the move to a cloud based phone system. Although it may seem like an inconvenience to change the way your business has traditionally communicated, there are numerous benefits to a digital phone service. Switching now will also prevent a mad rush to do so when the switch-off gets closer and the PSTN begins to fail.
PC Comms can help
If you’re unsure how to manage a digital phone service for your business, don’t worry – PC Comms are here to help. Communications are just one part of our extensive IT support offering. PC Comms can seamlessly provide an IP phone system to suit businesses of any size, with a plethora of features to meet your individual needs as a company.
