PSTN Switch-off

What is the PSTN switch-off?

The PSTN (which stands for Public Switched Telephone Network) which has served the UK for so long no longer supports the demands of today’s level of communication. As a result, it is being replaced and upgraded to a far more resilient network…fibre.

All traditional PSTN lines, such as analogue or digital phone lines, ISDN phone systems used by businesses and older internet connections such as ADSL and FTTC broadband, will all become fully obsolete once the PSTN has been fully switched off.

Openreach are updating local telephone exchange across the UK, moving across to a full-fibre network to enable fast, reliable and cost-effective connectivity. That means it’s time to upgrade your telecoms and connectivity to ensure your business stays in touch and ready for an all-digital future!

What is the PSTN stop sell?

The Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) will close in January 2027. On the 5th September 2023 the UK national ‘stop sell’ comes into effect This means every provider in the UK will stop selling traditional phone lines and fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) broadband, additionally no changes can be made to your legacy telephony infrastructure. Every business in the UK will have to move to a fully digital network that uses Internet Protocol (IP) across a fibre-based service.

The PSTN stop sell won’t just affect telephony services, it also means you will need to upgrade your existing broadband connection. Any equipment that currently utilises the PSTN network will also need to be upgraded to an alternative solution: alarms, EPOS machines, door entry systems, CCTV and so on.

Why is PSTN being switched off?

The traditional PSTN network, which is made from copper cables, is ageing rapidly, has become fragile and is becoming increasingly costly and difficult to maintain. Installed back in the late 1800s, the PSTN simply doesn’t support the demands of 21st century communications, with the demand for higher speeds and bandwidth growing as the United Kingdom moves towards a digital future.

With speed, accessibility and reliability at the top of the agenda, the switch off of PSTN was a natural next step. Our expectations are high and digital technology is the answer. So in this next phase of connectivity, we will all be putting our faith firmly in the hands of both fibre and the internet.

Who will it affect and how?

According to reports, around 2.4 million businesses across the UK still operate on legacy telephone lines and ISDN networks - served by the PSTN (public switched telephone network). With the PSTN switch off fast approaching, it’s time to make sure your business isn’t one of them, as legacy systems simply won’t work.

If your business is currently using ISDN/PSTN telephony or broadband services, now is the time to start exploring the benefits of upgrading to fibre based technology. Read our article below on the surprising impacts of the PSTN switch-off to see how your connectivity may be affected in ways you never expected.

What do I need to do?

The full PSTN switch off in 2027 may seem a while away but many locations across the UK will be affected by a stop sale on any new ISDN or PSTN-based services much sooner than that. In fact, by September 2023, you’ll no longer be able to buy a traditional phone line across any exchange area. So, now’s the time to explore the exciting new and futureproof services available to your business.

If you currently have a PSTN service you'll need to switch your services to an IP (VoIP) telephony solution and your broadband to a based solution. Due to the PSTN switch off you will be force to move to a new service, however, upgrading your services and systems now means that you can take advantage of the benefits of hosted telephony and fibre connectivity ahead of the competition, whilst also futureproofing your business.