The world of telephony is changing. For years, companies have been gradually transitioning away from older “legacy” technologies, in search of agility and scalability. The cloud has become the new foundation for many communications strategies, and other solutions are gradually becoming obsolete.

Moving away from old infrastructure and embracing solutions like UCaaS and VoIP isn’t just a way for businesses to save money and improve agility in the modern world. It’s also becoming a necessity, thanks to the PSTN switch off. In 2015, BT (British Telecommunications) announced it would be getting rid of IDSN and PTSN services officially in 2025.

This means the old-fashioned copper wires and switches many companies rely on for their communication services, will no longer be available just 2 years from now.

So, what do companies need to know to prepare for the PSTN switch off?

Severine Hierso, Director of Product Marketing, International at RingCentral says:

“The PSTN switch-off is something that many businesses have started thinking about as the deadline of 2025 approaches rapidly. It’s not something to be feared though. Implementing the right infrastructure now means businesses can look forward to the efficiencies that new cloud technology unlock.

It’s just important to understand what devices need updating, what hardware (if any) you’ll still need to use and generally what needs to change for a smoother transition. Time is of the essence, so the sooner businesses acknowledge and address the switch-off, the less disruptive it will be when the time arrives.”

What is the PSTN Switch Off? The Basics

The “telephony switch off” as its referred to in some circles, is an initiative led by telecommunication operators like BT, to push companies away from the expensive and time-consuming telephone networks, and into the cloud. The switch-off effects both the Public Switched Telephony Network, and the Integrated Service Digital Network (IDSN).

While both of these solutions have offered useful services to businesses for decades, they’re no longer capable of handling the rapidly scaling needs of business owners. These solutions rely on expensive infrastructure, complex technology, and offer limited scalability.

As of 2025, no company will be able to purchase ISDN or PSTN circuits in the UK. Though BT initiated a stop-sell in 2023, the forced migration to solutions like VoIP will begin between April and December 2025. Despite the rapidly approaching deadline, however, 33% of small companies say they’re not prepared for the PSTN switch-off yet.

Notably, the UK isn’t the only country moving away from legacy infrastructure. The Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, and Japan have already switched off their PSTN networks.

What does the PSTN Switch-Off Mean for Businesses?

The end of PSTN and ISDN services in the UK will influence more tools and features than many companies expect. Though the biggest impact will be to traditional landlines and telephony services, the loss of these two technologies will also affect other devices and services.

Companies using EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale), door entry, and alarm systems may also need to consider switching out their technology. Failure to prepare for the PSTN switch off could leave companies with a host of services that no longer work by the end of 2025.

The impact of the switch-off is why BT and other telecom operators have given companies so much time to plan their migration and choose an alternative before the deadline arrives.

What Are Your Migration Options?

The good news is that companies affected by the PSTN switch off will have some excellent alternatives to consider. Most telecom leaders are already prompting customers to assess VoIP options. Voice over Internet Protocol allows files, voice messages, and other data to be sent via the internet.

Businesses can also choose to use an adapter to turn existing landline phones into hardware that supports internet connectivity. Though the switch to VoIP might seem daunting, it can deliver a number of benefits. VoIP more flexible than legacy telephony, giving business teams the freedom to collaborate on any device, anywhere with an internet connection.

Plus, VoIP is considered a much more cost-effective system, with more manageable monthly fees, and fewer maintenance and hardware costs. For instance, RingCentral cloud PBX customers can save as much as 70% by switching away from PTSN and ISDN.

VoIP services are easy to purchase, implement, and manage, with converged voice and data. They offer exceptional flexibility and scalability, allowing companies to grow globally based on their specific needs. Plus, internet-based communication solutions can improve productivity and efficiency, offer access to advanced telephony features, and even protect teams against outage issues.

Preparing for the PSTN Switch-Off

Thanks to the rise of reliable VoIP and UC service providers, switching away from PSTN and IDSN lines doesn’t have to be as complex as it seems. However, there are various steps involved. This is why companies need to ensure they’re preparing for the switch off as early as possible.

Some of the key steps business leaders will need to take include:

  • Assessing their devices: Business leaders will need to determine which devices in their ecosystem use PTSN phone lines. Some companies may not be aware of emergency lines, payment terminals, cash machines and security systems all connected to the same PSTN environment. Auditing the existing technology stack is crucial.
  • Reviewing connectivity: Since future communication strategies will rely heavily on strong internet connections, companies will need to ensure their network is prepared. This could mean upgrading to a low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity option. Ensure the network can support HD audio and video conferencing.
  • Considering hardware: Examining how the business uses hardware and how these devices may change after the switch off will be important. Some companies may choose to reduce their reliance on unnecessary hardware, by embracing mobile software and softphone alternatives, to reduce maintenance costs and boost mobility.
  • Selecting a solution: Next, companies will need to choose an internet telephony vendor they can trust. Examining the features, reliability, and customer service offered by each vendor will be crucial. It’s worth thinking carefully about which services will be most effective at improving productivity, efficiency, and business performance.
  • Getting employees involved: A major business change requires companies to invest in supporting and training their team members to increase adoption. The good news is most VoIP solutions are relatively straightforward. Some providers can also provide training and development tools to help bring new team members on board.

Be Prepared for the PSTN Switch Off

Soon, investing in digital transformation, and a new form of communication landscape will be a necessity for every business. Failure to plan effectively for the impending PTSN switch off could leave companies with unexpected expenses and downtime to manage.

Preparing in advance will help to ensure you don’t get stuck during the months leading up to the switch off. Plus, the faster you adopt new technologies, the more you’ll be able to take advantage of innovative tools which help future proof and enhance your business.



from UC Today https://ift.tt/rR2OKJ7