PSTN switch off FAQs

The PSTN is being switched off primarily because it uses outdated technology that relies on copper wiring, which is deteriorating and becoming too costly to maintain. The transition to newer digital communication technologies, such as VoIP and mobile networks, offers more advanced features, better scalability, and improved cost efficiency for both the network operators and end users.

The PSTN will be completely retired on December 31, 2025. But there are other significant time limits ahead of this final deadline that need to be considered. In September 2023, Openreach will commence its UK-wide stop sell of several wholesale line rental (WLR) products as it begins to withdraw PSTN and integrated ser-vices digital network (ISDN) services.

Several options are available when transitioning from PSTN. The most common alternative is adopting VoIP technology, which utilis-es the internet to transmit voice calls. Other options include mobile networks, which offer cellular-based voice services, and Unified Communications (UC) platforms that integrate various communication channels into a single system.

In the long term, switching from PSTN to VoIP or other digital communication technologies will be cost-effective. While there might be some initial investment in upgrading infrastructure and equipment, the operational costs are typically lower for digital sys-tems.

The time required to transition from PSTN to VoIP depends on var-ious factors, including the complexity of the existing infrastructure, the size of the organisation, and the chosen implementation strategy. It can be as little as a couple of weeks for everything from planning, equipment installation, network configuration, and user training.

If you delay switching from PSTN to alternative communication technologies, you may face challenges in maintaining a working telephone service. There are over 25,000 connections to switch over before 2025, so some degree of backlog is to be expected. As the PSTN is phased out, service providers will gradually reduce support for and quality of analogue systems. So, switching sooner rather than later ensures your business is protected from disrup-tion.

When switching to alternative communication technologies, such as VoIP, the ownership of handsets and related equipment de-pends on the service provider and the chosen deployment model. In some cases, service providers may offer hardware as part of their service package, while in others, you may need to purchase or lease the equipment separately.

If you do nothing and fail to migrate from the PSTN to alternative communication technologies, you will likely experience a loss of re-liable phone services. As the PSTN is retired, you may face in-creasing difficulties in making and receiving calls, maintaining con-nectivity, and accessing support for analogue systems. Ultimately, all connections will no longer work after December 31, 2025, so you will be left with no functioning phone system.

The switch-off of the PSTN affects both business and residential phone services. For home phones, alternative options include Voice over IP (VoIP) services that can be subscribed to through internet service providers (ISPs) or simply getting rid of the landline completely in favour of a mobile phone.