PSTN, ISDN, the “big switch off” – they’ve all been spoken about across the telecommunications industry, but the facts can often get lost in the furore.
We’ve compiled this useful blog to help you understand what’s really happening and what you need to do to ensure your parish or school is ready to adapt.
What is the PSTN and ISDN switch off?
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) has been in use in the UK since 1876, so it’s understandably grown old and tired. It’s also becoming increasingly costly to maintain. Therefore, it needs replacing with new and modern technology, fit for the digital world we now live in.
As a result, the PSTN will reach end of life in December 2025, ceasing all operations afterwards. However, the PSTN supports several products from Openreach including Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) lines. These fixed lines and services will also be switched off and services withdrawn at the end of December 2025.
What do I do if I’ve got an ISDN line?
If you’ve currently got an ISDN line, you’ll have to upgrade your telephony before December 2025 or risk being left without service. You can upgrade at any time, and future-proof alternatives like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) offer greater quality calls. However, for your new VoIP system to work, you’ll need a good quality internet connection so that your VoIP solution can run seamlessly.
When will Openreach start withdrawing services?
We’re one of only a handful of providers that are actively involved in industry planning meetings regarding the PSTN switch-off so, rest assured we’ll keep all of our customers in the loop.
Openreach started trialling the withdrawal of services in two exchanges in September 2019 in Salisbury and Mildenhall. Both sites are focused on a complete withdrawal of services by December 2022 with other exchanges not due to enter withdrawal until much closer to December 2025.
Will my broadband be impacted?
If you currently have a broadband service that is supported on a single line, your provider will be in touch to migrate this to an alternative single order broadband. This means that your broadband will move to a single service with no line rental. If you’re using your line for voice you will be offered a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) alternative. If you already have an ultrafast fibre to the premise broadband product and do not use any voice services, you won’t see any changes as you’re already using new, digital technology.
What happens in 2023?
From September 2023, Openreach will issue a full ‘Stop Sell’ of new supply and there will be no new line installation for Single PSTN Lines or ISDN. Consumer rights during this period will still be upheld so line transfers will be accepted, providing there is no change to the installation when the line moves from one provider to another.
What should I do now?
If you’re currently on an ISDN contract, you don’t need to do anything at the moment. However, be mindful that when your contract is up for renewal, you’ll probably need to switch to a hosted telephony solution. If you’re looking to upgrade and future-proof your organisation now, you’ll need to ensure you’ve got a good quality broadband solution and you’ll need to assess your hosted telephony options to make sure you’ll get the most out of your services.
What happens in 2025?
Your provider will strive to migrate all PSTN services to alternative solutions before the December 2025 deadline. However, if services still remain on the PSTN network, then they will be withdrawn. Anyone who has failed to switch to alternative telephony will ultimately be left without service.
If you want to know more about getting your parish or church ready for the PSTN switch off, get in touch with us at 01282 609470 or fill in the enquiry form and one of our expert team will get back to you as soon as possible.