Analogue / ISDN Switch Off

Overview

In November 2017, the telecoms industry announced its intention to retire analogue telephone networks such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) by January 2027. The industry will upgrade landline services to new digital technology using an internet connection, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Digital Voice or All-IP telephony.

The telecommunication industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and the ISDN and PSTN networks, which have served us well for decades, are no longer capable of meeting the demands of today's digital world.

The need for faster, more versatile, and cost-effective communication solutions has led to the decision to switch off ISDN and PSTN services. This change paves the way for modern alternatives that will improve the way we connect and collaborate.

The Stop Sell

On 5th September 2023, Openreach implemented a stop sell on a range of products and services that run on the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). This is the network that telephone and broadband connections have used for many years. 

The decision to retire older copper-based technologies is part of a strategic move by Openreach to pave the way for newer, more advanced technologies and ensure the long-term stability and quality of their network infrastructure.

How Will This Affect You?

If you are currently subscribed to services that are affected by the Openreach stop sell, you can rest assured that your existing services will continue to operate as usual. There will be no immediate disruption to your service, however, your ability to make in-life changes (such as additional channels or bandwidth changes) will be limited.

If you currently take fibre to the premises (FTTP), Ethernet or SOGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access) connectivity then your connectivity is already future-proofed. Similarly, if you have a Digital Voice or Cloud-based communications solution in place, then your calls are switch-off ready too.

Preparing For The Switch-Off

As the ISDN and PSTN switch-off approaches, here are some essential actions that you need to take to make the change seamless:

  • Assess your current infrastructure: Understand how ISDN and PSTN services are currently integrated into your communication infrastructure.

  • Explore options: Research communication solutions available in the market.

  • Plan for migration: Develop a migration strategy, including timelines, budget, and resource allocation.

  • Make the change: Collaborate with us to guide you through the transition process.

The Future

This all means that the future of IP telephony is looking bright, as more and more businesses and individuals are making the switch from traditional telephone systems to internet-based ones. IP telephony, also known as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), is a technology that allows for voice and video communication over the Internet, rather than through traditional telephone networks.

Implementing a Cloud Based system isn’t a lengthy process and it needn’t be costly. Benefits include reducing IT spend, unifying disconnected systems in the cloud, relieving the maintenance burden on your team, improving security, and quick set-up on devices.

If you believe that your business could benefit from making the change to an IP solution then get in touch with New World Netcom to discuss upgrading your communications.