Prepare for the 2025 PTSN Switch off deadline in the United Kingdom

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), sometimes referred to as the ‘Public Switch Telephone Network, is the traditional phone network that uses copper phone lines to carry analogue voice data across long distances. However, the PSTN switch-off, scheduled for 2025, signifies a move to digital voice communications that rely on your internet connection enabled by your broadband service or fibre optic cables, and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology.

No, the PSTN switch-off hasn’t been paused or delayed. This change is part of a UK-wide initiative backed by Ofcom and implemented by BT Openreach to transition to a fully digital network, specifically VoIP phone systems and services, and away from the PSTN and ISDN networks.

The end of traditional landline telephone services in the UK is marked by the PSTN switch-off, set for 2025. This includes all Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) lines and services currently in operation.

Analogue PBX systems operate on the PSTN network using traditional copper wiring and telephone lines, whereas digital PBX systems utilise an IP network. This change means phone calls are made over a broadband internet connection and businesses are provided with scalable VoIP services.

There are numerous benefits associated with using a VoIP service, an IP technology-based telephone service. Unlike traditional telephony which relies on a copper telephone line, VoIP operates over the internet. It supports not only voice calls but also video calls, integrating seamlessly into broader internet communications like instant messaging and file sharing.

VoIP is the ideal choice for an ‘all IP future’ when it comes to communications. It provides phone systems that rely on VoIP enhanced flexibility, mobility, and unlocks advanced features that used to require complex installation and costly hardware.

PSTN services, while dependable, can’t match VoIP’s versatility, and it’s important to remember that PSTN-based services are gradually being phased out globally.

This transition to VoIP telephony also leads to significant cost savings, making it an appealing option for UK businesses of all sizes.

Traditional telephony costs can rapidly add up, while VoIP often provides unlimited national calling at a fraction of the cost. This makes VoIP an innovative, cost-effective, and future-proof solution for business communication needs. To ensure you can use your VoIP system effectively, businesses may also need to upgrade from older internet connections, and rely on a high-speed and stable network instead.