Technology is forever evolving, as is the way that we work and communicate with each other. In recent years the increase in remote working, flexible working and hot desking has changed the way that we use both fixed line and mobile telephony. Back in 2015 BT announced that PSTN and ISDN networks would be switched off in 2025, with the UK making the move to a fully digital network. In May 2024, it was announced that the Switch Off would be delayed until January 2027.
What are PSTN and ISDN?
PSTN stands for Public Switched Telephone Network. PSTN refers to the international telephone system that uses copper wires to carry analogue voice data. It is made up of a collection of individual telephone lines that are hardwired to a public exchange.
ISDN stands for Integrated Service Digital Network. It was introduced in 1986 by BT to replace old fashioned landlines with digital lines. ISDN is a set of communications standards that use digital transmission to make phone calls, video calls, transmit data and other network services over the circuits of the traditional PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). ISDN splits traditional copper telephone line into multiple digital channels, allowing multiple phones to make and receive calls using one physical line.
ISDN stands for Integrated Service Digital Network. It was introduced in 1986 by BT to replace old fashioned landlines with digital lines. ISDN is a set of communications standards that use digital transmission to make phone calls, video calls, transmit data and other network services over the circuits of the traditional PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). ISDN splits traditional copper telephone line into multiple digital channels, allowing multiple phones to make and receive calls using one physical line.
Why is the PSTN/ISDN network being switched off?
The Integrated Services Digital Network and Public Switch Telephone Network's infrastructure has become outdated since its installation in the 1980’s, and whilst it still functions, it no longer compares with alternatives such as broadband connections. Broadband offers much faster speeds than ISDN & PSTN, with the latest Full Fibre broadband speeds sitting around 1GB/s, compared to the maximum speed of 128Kb/s offered by ISDN. For ease of comparison, 1GB/s is equivalent to 1000000Kb/s, meaning Full Fibre Broadband is nearly 8000 times faster than ISDN. ISDN can struggle to keep up with the agility required by fast-moving businesses today and scalability can be slow and expensive.
How do I know whether I am currently using the ISDN/PSTN network?
Telephone connections that work off the ISDN/PSTN network are often referred to as Exchange Lines. You may be connected to an ISDN 2 or ISDN 30 Exchange Line if your business is making phone calls over a standard telephone line rather than an Internet connection.
I thought broadband was used to access the Internet not make phone calls?
The ISDN/PSTN voice network is being migrated to Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP), meaning businesses can make the most of modern internet-based communication and technologies, whilst reducing costs, improving call quality, and preparing for the future.
New VoIP lines will be much quicker to provision, line rentals can be reduced or eliminated as fewer physical lines are needed, and this solution also offers greater flexibility and scalability. Whilst broadband is one of the main ways in which businesses connect to the internet, VoIP will be accessible through any means of internet connection.
New VoIP lines will be much quicker to provision, line rentals can be reduced or eliminated as fewer physical lines are needed, and this solution also offers greater flexibility and scalability. Whilst broadband is one of the main ways in which businesses connect to the internet, VoIP will be accessible through any means of internet connection.
So what does the ISDN/PSTN network switch off mean for my business?
If your business is still using ISDN/PSTN for your communications, now is the time to start thinking about future-proofing your business telephony. However, there is no need to panic as there are plenty of cost-effective solutions available to you, and we are here to help you identify which is most suited to your business.
There are 2 main things to consider:
• Is your internet connection fast and reliable enough to deliver VoIP solutions? If not we can assist you in upgrading your bandwidth with one of our Internet Connectivity Solutions.
• Does your office phone system support VoIP? Most new office phone systems support VoIP, but if yours doesn’t you will need to replace it with an IP phone system. We can also support you with this and help you to work out if your current phones are VoIP compatible.
There are 2 main things to consider:
• Is your internet connection fast and reliable enough to deliver VoIP solutions? If not we can assist you in upgrading your bandwidth with one of our Internet Connectivity Solutions.
• Does your office phone system support VoIP? Most new office phone systems support VoIP, but if yours doesn’t you will need to replace it with an IP phone system. We can also support you with this and help you to work out if your current phones are VoIP compatible.
Our SIP Trunks or 3CX Telephony Solution are great options to go for ahead of the ISDN/PSTN Switch Off.