Have you heard the news? The UK’s copper telephone line network will officially be switched off in 2025. We’re sure you have many questions about this – especially if your business relies on this network.
In this blog article, we’ll discuss the reasoning for this shut off, how it will affect businesses, and how we’re working with Openreach and Faster Britain to make full fibre widely available for businesses.
It’s important that you understand why this change is taking place.
What exactly is happening and why is it happening?
Openreach is moving all of their customers from the old analogue copper telephone line network (also known as PSTN) to a fully digital network. No need to worry – they’ve already begun the process.
In fact, by 2025, Openreach plans to have moved everyone – including businesses – over so they can stop the PSTN service. This means that every phone line in the UK will be digital, routing calls over an IP rather than PSTN.
Copper-based broadband lines are what most homes and businesses are currently using, but with this project, no new lines of this type will be sold after 2023.
So, why is it happening?
For decades, PSTN has been the backbone of the UK’s phone network. Technology is constantly evolving and it’s time we advance our telephone networks to be completely digital.
You may be wondering, “Does this mean that IP is better than PSTN?”
That’s correct!
The PSTN network is no longer in line with the demands of modern technology in both homes and businesses. As they switch to mobile and internet communications, everyone is demanding much more than the traditional technologies are designed to deliver – which is why IP is needed.
What steps should businesses take now?
The project won’t be completed until 2025, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing for the switch off now.
Businesses should check their current phone system and understand what technology they have. Additionally, they should identify what alternatives to switch to.
Alternatives for phone systems include on-premise VoIP PBX, Cloud Hosted PBX, and SIP trunks.
Although, you should keep in mind that this will affect more than just your phone system. Everything else that currently uses the old phone network and all of the non-voice services that are connected to PSTN or ISDN lines. This includes alarms, EPOS machines, door entry systems, CCTV, and fax machines.
How is Nxcoms involved in this project?
We’re glad you asked! Nxcoms is already working with Openreach and Faster Britain networks to ensure that full fibre is available to businesses in the next couple of years.
However, it’s crucial that businesses don’t wait until it’s too late. At Nxcoms, we help to make your business communications easier and get connected without the fuss. We provide voice over IP, leased lines, broadband, and mobile services. To find out which option is right for you and your business, get in touch with our team of experts today.