Introduction
We’re all familiar with the copper wire telephone network: in use since 1876, it’s kept business communications’ going for years. But that’s all about to change.
In 2025, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is being switched off by BT Openreach, which means all everyone, including businesses, currently using PSTN-based services will need to move to another service before then.
The alternative? Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), a solution that transmits voice calls and data using an internet connection.
Why should I change?
VoIP is a much better alternative to traditional landlines, and it will be the industry standard for years to come. This technology offers many opportunities and benefits for your business:
Lower costs
VoIP solutions are software-based, which means you don’t need any infrastructure, upfront costs, or additional hardware.
Greater scalability
Internet-based solutions can be easily scaled up or down depending on your needs. For seasonal businesses, adding more lines for peak season can be quick and easy.
Increased productivity
VoIP solutions can include many more features than your legacy landline, so that you can handle calls more efficiently and your business can be more productive.
Flexibility
VoIP solutions can be accessed from a variety of devices, which means you won’t be tied to a desk phone anymore and you’ll be able to take your calls wherever you are.
What do I need to know?
We understand that this change can be daunting for your business and you may have some doubts, but the move to VoIP need not be difficult:
Continuity of service
Moving to VoIP is a seamless process that won’t leave you without your business phone for days. Acting now, before there is a huge demand for these services, is advised to ensure a swift and easy deployment.
Keeping your number
With VoIP, you don’t have to worry about taking out a new number. You can keep your existing one and ensure your customers can always reach you.
Ease of use
VoIP solutions are easy to use and can be employed on a variety of devices, from your existing analogue phone to your mobile phone, desktop or tablet.
Call quality
The speed of broadband is now genuinely fast enough to negate any problems around quality. There are hundreds of thousands of businesses that rely solely on VoIP to deliver their business voice calls.
What's happening?
BT Openreach has announced it intends to switch off the traditional, copper-based telephone network in 2025. This is commonly referred to as the PSTN Switch Off.
While 2025 may seem a while away, from December 2023 you won’t be able to purchase any new ISDN or PSTN-based services, with many locations affected by a stop sell much sooner than that.
This is a major step towards the United Kingdom’s mass IP-network migration, with VoIP core networks set to replace all the legacy PSTN services in just a few years’ time.
Why should I care?
The PSTN Switch Off will affect all businesses currently operating using PSTN and ISDN services. If you fall into this category, you will need to move to the new network to keep your phone and your number working.
The All-IP network delivers voice calls using the same infrastructure as data and using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology.
The move to VoIP can be quick and seamless, there’s no reason to wait until 2025 to make the move.
What is VoIP?
Simply put, VoIP uses a company’s existing internet connection to transmit voice calls. When it was first introduced, this solution seemed like a dangerous choice, as it completely relies on the quality of the internet connection to guarantee stable calls.
Nowadays, the speed of most broadband is fast enough to negate any problems around call quality. VoIP telephony is a simpler option than it sounds, requiring a lot less hardware than legacy systems.
It is delivered by Over the top (OTT) applications to which new features are added regularly, it gives your business more flexibility and it can be used on a variety of devices – from desk phones to mobiles, tablets, and computers.
What dates do I need to know?
PSTN and Landline Replacement Timeline.
November 2017
BT Openreach announces its intention to switch off the PSTN in 2025.
December 2020 - Salisbury Stop Sell
Customers In Salisbury cannot purchase new ISDN lines or add new features.
June 2021 - 117 Exchanges Stop Sell
Customers across 117 locations cannot purchase new ISDN lines or add new features.
December 2022 - Salisbury End of Life
The PSTN network is completely switched off in Salisbury.
December 2023 - UK Stop Sell
Customers across the whole country cannot purchase new ISDN lines or add new features.
December 2025 - UK End of Life
The PSTN network is completely switched off across the UK.
PSTN FAQ's and Jargon.
- What is the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN)?
The public telephone network, made up of copper wires and owned and operated by BT Openreach.
- What is the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)?
A solution to transmit both data and voice over a digital line using the PSTN.
- What is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)?
A broad term to refer to alternative solutions to PSTN to transfer voice calls in the form of data over the internet.
- What does “End of Life” mean?
This the term used by Openreach to signify the complete withdrawal of certain Openreach products.
- What does Over The Top (OTT) mean?
This refers to a class of real-time communications solutions that operate over the internet, bypassing the traditional operators’ network.
