Move out of the way PSTN, fibre is coming through!

Table of contents

What exactly is the PSTN switch-off?

What’s the difference between PSTN and VoIP?

Why is VoIP the next step after PSTN?

What are the main benefits of VoIP?

How can Focus Group help?

The withdrawal of traditional copper-based telephone services has long been a hot topic in the communications business but is now gathering real pace. Openreach is busy preparing exchanges across the UK and full fibre connections will soon enable consistent, faster and more reliable connectivity for everyone.

So, what does the PSTN switch off mean for your business and how can you take advantage of its benefits sooner rather than later?

What exactly is the PSTN switch-off?

In a nutshell, the old Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is on its way out and the PSTN switch off is imminent. Made from copper, the PSTN has become fragile, served its purpose and is now making way for a much more resilient replacement...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 obsolete.

Openreach have been busy laying fibre is on track to replace every copper connection across the UK by 2027. However, a rollout of this magnitude doesn’t happen overnight, so the withdrawal of copper services and migration to full fibre will begin much sooner in many exchange areas. Already in some exchange locations it isn’t possible to buy copper based PSTN services.

So, it’s time to make sure your business is prepared. But fear not, it’s an exciting time and the benefits are huge!

What’s the difference between PSTN and VoIP?

PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) is becoming a thing of the past, soon to be relegated to the telecom history books. It operates on circuit-switched copper phone lines to transmit analog voice data. Traditionally used in homes and small businesses, each PSTN phone number corresponds to a single line, which cannot be used for anything else during a call.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) enhances this by allowing digital transmission of voice, video, and data over the same traditional phone lines. This means you could make phone calls and access the internet simultaneously using the same port. However, as PSTN phases out, ISDN will also be discontinued.

The future lies in alternatives to ISDN, such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and SIP Trunking (Session Initiation Protocol). These IP-based solutions enable all business phone calls to be made over the internet. The key difference between PSTN and VoIP is that with the advent of fast fibre internet connections, VoIP offers cheaper, more reliable, and flexible communication. This advancement has ultimately led to the decline of the costly and high-maintenance copper-based PSTN services.

Why is VoIP the next step after PSTN?

VoIP is the next natural step for businesses transitioning from PSTN because it leverages the power and flexibility of the internet to deliver superior communication solutions. Unlike PSTN, which relies on traditional circuit-switched technology and physical phone lines, VoIP uses broadband internet connections to transmit voice data.

VoIP systems are easier to integrate with modern business applications and enable employees to stay connected from anywhere, supporting the growing trend towards remote and flexible working environments.

What are the main benefits of VoIP?

VoIP telephony offers a more productive and cost-effective future for your business communications, one that is flexible, reliable, easy to maintain and scalable – meaning it can grow and adapt together with your business.

VoIP phone systems offer increased mobility, which is more important than ever before in a world of hybrid working between the office and home, or across multiple business locations. Providing you have internet connectivity, VoIP solutions can allow you to connect your business, your team and your customers, anytime, from any device and from anywhere.

The list of benefits goes on…

• Scalable - You can scale up your VoIP phone system and add more employees as your business grows.
• Flexibility - The same phone number, whether you’re in the office or working remotely.
• Cost effective - A VoIP solution offers a higher quality service, at a lower price than more traditional services.
• Fast and robust - Coupled with superfast internet capabilities, VoIP is reliable with most issues quickly and easily resolved remotely.
• Call management features - A wealth of features including voicemail, hold music and auto attendant.
• Collaborative communications - Call management across your team together with the potential to integrate email, browsers and instant messaging.
• Business continuity - To ensure your business and communication with your customers is protected against unexpected events.

How can Focus Group help?

At Focus Group, we understand that transitioning your business to VoIP can be a significant undertaking. That's why we're here to help every step of the way. Our experienced team ensures a smooth transition, minimising disruptions to your business operations. We handle the technical aspects, allowing you to focus on what you do best.

Switching to VoIP is not just a communication upgrade; it's a digital transformation. It marks the beginning of a more agile, efficient, and technologically advanced business environment.

Ready to make the switch? Contact Focus Group today to embark on a seamless transition to VoIP and unlock the full potential of modern communication technology.