The UK’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch-off has been delayed until January 2027.
Following the switch off, Openreach products such as broadband, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) and Shared Metallic Path Facility will reach the end of their life.
PSTN’s switch off date was postponed to allow consumers more time to find a digital alternative, and businesses more time to reassess their communication network and update their IT and communication systems.
However, with businesses across still not prepared for the switch-off, Geoff Campos, Customer Solutions Architect at M247 shares advice on how to future-proof connectivity and prepare for life after PSTN.
- Start migrating now
“The two-year extension of the PSTN switch-off deadline gives businesses a bit more time to transition to internet enabled networks. But this transition takes time and cannot wait until the last minute. The later a business postpones the shift, it runs the risk of not being ready on time, impacting key services and bringing about costly impacts. Research M247 carried out in 2023, in the lead up to the previous 2025 deadline, found that 80% of UK businesses believe migrating away from PSTN services will take up to six months, and over half (58%) had started planning for an alternative solution.”
“It’s crucial that early engagement with the transition process is initiated. Prior to the original 2025 deadline, our research also found that the vast majority of businesses (88%) still had analogue services reliant on the PSTN network, with a third (33%) having over 100 devices connected.”
“Businesses must assess their current connectivity and telecoms set-up. By making a list of everything that currently relies on the PSTN network, they can better idea of how long the migration will take and what exactly needs to be done.”
- Avoid widespread disruption
“Many businesses have a number of mission-critical devices and services, such as alarm systems, CCTV and door entry systems, that reply on the PSTN network. If they do not take the initiative to transition away from the network in time, they’re likely to experience widespread disruption.”
“For example, PDQ card payment machines might be critical for day-to-day operations and if they are reliant on the PSTN, following the switch-off, they will be rendered inoperable, hurting a business’ profitability.”
“According to our previous research, over half of respondents (51%) believe they would experience significant disruption if they lost access to their PSTN line before migrating, and just under a quarter (23%) believe losing PSTN access before they have completed their migration journey will result in a loss of business. Businesses must do their due diligence following their PSTN audit and act fast in moving to a digital network.”
- Futureproofed business capabilities
“The primary reason why the PSTN is being switched off is due to the rising challenges and costs associated with maintaining and repairing the ageing network. According to research from Ofcom, there was a 20% increase in service incidents on the PSTN in 2023, leading to a 60% rise in service hours lost to customers.”
“In today’s digital, hybrid workplaces, those who have moved away from the PSTN are already enjoying stronger, more resilient connectivity, as well as lower costs – through having connectivity and cloud all with one provider – and better remote collaboration through unified communications (UC). In this sense, investing in digital connectivity can be viewed as a future-proofing exercise.”
“By transitioning away from the PSTN now, businesses will not only avoid disruption and panic closer to the switch-off date. They will also avail of stronger, more resilient connectivity now – and less down-time – which will set them up for success and future growth.”
Are you concerned about the PSTN switch-off? Get in touch with M247 here.