PSTN is the Public Switched Telephone Network – the traditional circuit-switched telephone network running through a network of underground copper wires – and has been in action since the late 1800s.
The Big Switch Off is happening in 2025, which means all phone lines in the UK operating on PSTN and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) will have to upgrade to a new digital service. From then, all calls will be made over the internet using IP (Internet Protocol) technology. VoIP is one of the main technologies that will replace PSTN, it stands for ‘Voice over Internet Protocol’ and is suitable for businesses of all sizes.
If your business is still using ISDN/PSTN, now is the time to start investigating the switch to a digital system. Some of the many advantages of internet-based phone systems are:
- Easy to install.
- Lower costs
- Number portability
- Make calls from anywhere, allowing flexibility in your business.
- Clearer voice quality
Bear in mind, it’s not just calls that you need to consider, there are many other services that still use analogue phone systems – CCTV, faxes, alarms, door entry systems, payment terminals and more. These all need to be switched over to IP technology by 2025, so the sooner you make the switch, the better.
