3 Vital Steps To Prepare For The PSTN Switch-Off

In 2025, the UK’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch-off will finally happen. This means that businesses that are still using the PSTN will need to make changes to their telecommunications infrastructure to ensure that they remain connected. In this blog, we will look at what the PSTN is, why it is being switched off, how to prepare for the switch-off and how Marlin Communications can help.

What is the PSTN switch-off?

The PSTN switch-off (or ISDN switch-off) is a process by which traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) services will be discontinued and replaced with all-IP (Internet Protocol) services. All traditional PSTN lines, such as analogue or digital phone lines, ISDN phone systems used by businesses and older internet connections such as ADSL and FTTC broadband, will all become fully obsolete once the PSTN has been fully switched off.

Here are some things that businesses should know about the PSTN switch-off:

• The PSTN switch-off is happening now: Openreach, the UK’s largest phone and broadband network provider, has announced that it will stop selling PSTN services by the end of 2023, and will switch off its PSTN network completely by 2025.
• Businesses will need to switch to all-IP: Before the PSTN network is switched off, businesses will need to move to all-IP services in order to continue to make and receive phone calls and access the Internet. This may require upgrading phone systems and other equipment, as well as changing phone numbers in some cases.
• All-IP offers new opportunities: While the switch-off may be disruptive for businesses, it also offers new opportunities for innovation and growth. All-IP services can provide greater flexibility, scalability, and reliability, as well as new features and capabilities such as video conferencing and collaboration tools.
• Planning and preparation are key: To minimise disruption and ensure a smooth transition, businesses should start planning and preparing for the PSTN switch-off as soon as possible. This may involve working with service providers and equipment vendors to assess needs and options, upgrading equipment and infrastructure, and training staff on new systems and processes.
• Assistance is available: Openreach and other network providers are offering support and guidance to businesses as they make the transition to all-IP. This may include advice on upgrading equipment, guidance on choosing the right services and providers, and assistance with porting phone numbers. For more information from Openreach, click here.

What do businesses need to do to prepare for the PSTN switch-off?

If your business is still using the PSTN, you will need to make changes to your telecommunications infrastructure to ensure that you remain connected after the PSTN switch-off. Here are some steps that you can take to prepare:

1. Identify your current telephony setup: Before you can start planning for the switch-off, you need to know what kind of telephony setup you currently have. This will help you to determine what changes you need to make and what kind of new system you will need to implement.
2. Evaluate your business needs: As you plan for the switch-off, it is important to consider your business needs and goals. This will help you to choose a new system that meets your specific requirements and helps you to achieve your business objectives.
3. Choose a new system: There are several options for replacing PSTN, including SIP trunking, hosted VoIP, SoGEA broadband, and cloud-based UCaaS and CCaaS services. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to evaluate each one carefully before making a decision.

If you are a business owner who is looking to get ahead of the PSTN switch-off, Marlin Communications can help you to make a smooth transition with a free discovery call to understand your situation.

Benefits that Marlin Communications offers:

1. Expert advice and guidance
   Marlin Communications has extensive experience in the telecommunications industry, and we can provide you with expert advice and guidance on choosing the right system for your business. We take the time to understand your specific needs and goals, and then recommend a solution that meets your requirements and fits within your budget.
2. Vendor Agnostic
   We are not tied to any particular vendor, which means that we can choose the best solution for you without any restrictions from our wealth of partners. See more about our partners here.
3. Customised solutions
   Our solutions are tailored to the unique needs of your business. We work with you to design a solution that meets your specific requirements, whether you need a simple voice system or a more complex unified communications solution.
4. Reliable and scalable solutions
   Our solutions are reliable and scalable, which means that they can grow with your business as your needs change over time. We use the latest technologies, such as cloud-based services and SIP trunking, to provide you with a solution that is flexible, efficient, and future-proof.
5. Seamless cloud migration
   We manage the entire cloud migration process for you, from planning and design to installation and testing. We ensure that your up and running smoothly, with minimal disruption to your business operations.
6. Cost-savings
   We have innovative financial packaging to work in line with your budgetary requirements which can result in you paying much less than elsewhere – see more about our Capex Migration.
7. Ongoing support and maintenance
   We provide ongoing support and maintenance, which means that you can rest assured that your telephony system will always operate at peak performance.

Summary

The PSTN switch-off is a significant event for businesses in the UK, and it is important to prepare for it in advance. By choosing Marlin Communications as your partner, you can benefit from our expertise, customised solutions, strong partnerships, seamless migration, and ongoing support and maintenance. 

Contact us today to learn more about how they can help you to make the switch to a new telecommunications system before the PSTN switch-off.

Email: [email protected]

Call: 0800 032 8274