The End of the Landline? How UK Businesses Can Prepare for the PSTN Switch-Off

For more than 100 years, the PSTN (Public switched Telephone Network) has been the main part of telecommunication in the UK. While it has evolved over time, much of it is now too old to deal with the modern requirements businesses need. But, if you have infrastructure that will stop when PSTN is switched off in 2025, how can you prepare for the future?

What is the PSTN?

PSTN is the infrastructure for public telecommunications that is run by British Telecom (BT). They maintain a network that is an amalgamation of new fibre technology and old copper wire systems which have been used since the 19th Century.  

Many homes receive their telephone calls and internet service via copper cables that go from the box in the street to their home. The same applies to businesses, but in some situations, the old PTSN is helping to run door entry systems, lift communications, and more. 

This means that if your business is in a new building, the likelihood is that you may not be badly affected if at all. However, an older building may need to be upgraded. 

In these situations, the hardware needs to be replaced, and thus you will need to begin looking for a PSTN replacement. Let’s see how UK businesses can prepare for the PSTN switch-off.

Why is PSTN Being Switched Off in 2025?

The old copper wire systems that are still in use, are not suitable for modern needs. With the internet becoming more integrated into homes and businesses than ever before, a faster and more robust system is needed. 

BT has stated that the old PSTN system will be switched off in 2025 and has been replacing many old systems for the past few years. 

How Can Your Business Prepare?

If you are concerned that your business is relying on PSTN, then you need to look at your systems and see what changes need to be made. 

• Customer service

One example is the call centre. Relying on many agents all using landlines may not be the best solution moving forward, especially with many now working from home. 

A solution such as a cloud contact centre will modernise your company and the way it deals with customer service. 

There may be other ways of working that can be converted to digital. This is an excellent opportunity to modernise and upgrade your systems. 

• Special Services

Some of your systems such as door entry and lift communication will be hard to upgrade. BT calls these ‘special services’ and there are a couple of options you can use. 

You can switch these old services to an IP (Internet Protocol) equivalent. These can include hosted VoIP which can improve your communication. 

Speak to your providers to see if they can upgrade your systems to IP. 

Use an Analogue Telephone Adapter (ATA) which converts the old signal to digital (IP). 

So, don’t get caught at the end of the (land)line. By considering all of these solutions, and investing in a PSTN replacement as soon as possible, this means your business will be ready when the PSTN service is finally switched off in 2025.