PSTN and ISDN Switch Off – Are You Ready?
Is Your Organization Ready for the PSTN and ISDN Switch Off?
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) shut-off represents a significant shift affecting business communications. The necessary shift from PSTN to digital and IP voice solutions will provide a wider range of capabilities for businesses at a lower long-term total cost.
What is PSTN?
PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), sometimes called traditional landline network, is a circuit-switched system that uses copper wires to transmit analog voice signals. PSTN lines have been vital in ensuring reliable voice communication for residential and commercial users. While PSTN and ISDN lines have stood as the backbone of voice communication, rapid technological advancements have brought innovations and new solutions to the market – resulting in the decommissioning of PSTN services.
Are You Prepared for the PSTN Shut Off?
The decommissioning of PSTN will significantly impact businesses and consumers. A 2023 report by Gamma found that 48% of UK businesses surveyed were either unaware of the PSTN shut-off (29%) or were uninformed of the details (19%). The same report also found that of the UK businesses using PSTN and aware of the shut-off, 46% had not completed any activities towards a migration. Businesses must understand the details of the PSTN shut-off, what it means for their existing systems, and the investments required to adapt. The report found that businesses currently use PSTN for customer support (69%), orders/bookings (59%), marketing/sales (50%), internal collaboration (48%), and logistics (47%).
It’s Time to Modernize
The driving force behind the decommissioning of PSTN is the shift towards IP-based networks. Internet Protocol (IP) networks offer a greater degree of flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency than the antiquated PSTN infrastructure. Moreover, IP-based networks facilitate the integration of voice, data, and video services into a singular network, simplifying communication and boosting productivity.
Moving from PSTN to Digital/IP Voice Services
As the decommissioning of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) approaches, businesses and organizations need to gear up to shift to digital or IP voice solutions. This transition brings numerous benefits and opportunities for improved communication and efficiency.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)/IP telephony harnesses the power of the Internet to transmit voice calls. Unlike traditional PSTN services, digital voice and IP voice services use data networks to transmit voice packets, resulting in cost savings, improved call quality, and advanced features.
Preparing for the shift from PSTN to digital voice requires thoroughly assessing the existing infrastructure and determining the compatibility of legacy devices and systems. Many legacy devices, such as analog phones, fax machines, and alarm systems, rely on PSTN analog connections and will be affected by the decommissioning. Businesses need to identify suitable replacements or solutions to ensure uninterrupted communication.
Get Started
A key component in building a robust backbone for IP telephony is Power over Ethernet (PoE) networking solutions. PoE technology simplifies the deployment of IP phones and other network devices by delivering both power and data through a single Ethernet cable. NVT Phybridge offers a comprehensive range of solutions to replace outdated PSTN analog solutions. Innovative networking solutions, such as the PoLRE managed switches, enable businesses to easily migrate to digital and IP voice solutions without costly infrastructure upgrades or re-cabling. Thousands of organizations and government agencies around the world have already seamlessly transitioned to IP telephony while preserving investments in existing LAN cabling. Learn more by reading our customer success stories.
Upgrade to an IP voice solution across multiple locations in 3 simple steps:
- Rack, stack, and configure NVT Phybridge PoE switches.
- Connect PoE Switches to the Existing and Proven LAN Infrastructure.
- At the endpoint location, deploy the adapter and connect your new IP communication device.
Government Initiatives and Support for the PSTN Shut-Off
The PSTN shut-off is a significant milestone in the telecommunications industry. As technology continues to evolve, the UK government has taken an active role in facilitating the transition and ensuring a smooth decommissioning process.
The government acknowledges the importance of this transition and has implemented various initiatives to support businesses during this period of change. One key role of the government is to provide guidance and regulatory frameworks to telecom service providers and businesses to ensure a seamless transition.
The government has launched several programs and resources to support businesses during the PSTN shut-off. These initiatives aim to provide guidance, technical assistance, and financial support to help businesses adapt to the new communication landscape. Businesses can access these programs and resources to understand the implications of decommissioning and implement appropriate solutions.
The collaboration between the government and telecom service providers is crucial for a successful transition. The government has been working closely with service providers to ensure the necessary infrastructure and support systems are in place. This collaboration includes regular communication, coordination of efforts, and sharing best practices to ensure a smooth transition for businesses and consumers.
If you have an upcoming IP/IoT modernization project, we would love to help! Click below to book a one-on-one meeting with one of our Digital Transformation Consultants.
