PSTN Switch Off

The big PSTN switch-off is happening. The end of 2025 will see Openreach hit a milestone of migrating around 14 million channels and lines from the analogue PSTN network onto a digital (IP) service.

What does this mean for me?

Largely, not a lot. The move from static landlines to digital services has naturally been happening in the background. The majority of internet service provider (ISP) packages are now fibre to cabinet (FTTC) or fibre to premises (FTTP). This means that services are being delivered over an IP network to your premises.

What you should do though is to check for any services in your home or premises that are still reliant on the PSTN network. These services could include care lines or emergency lines, even alarm systems. These should be checked with your provider as to how you can move these from an analogue service to an IP service.

Can I still order a PSTN line?

Yes, but be quick if you really need a PSTN line. Openreach are working through switching off these services through 2023 in certain Exchanges. They are almost finished with their first trial Exchanges at Mildenhall and Salisbury. As we move into the colder months of 2023, the UK Stop Sell will come into effect and wholesale line rentals will not be sold at Exchanges that are IP ready.

We are in the business of delivering services over the PSTN network. What do we do?

As mentioned above, there are some key services delivered over the PSTN network. Emergency or care lines that you see in disabled facilities often connect back to a PSTN service. Financial services like cash machines will often use a PSTN service for the transaction journey. 

Openreach have an interactive consumer portal that we would advise you look into, and seek support from the All IP team. There is some excellent advice online from Openreach around the PSTN switch off and what your options are.

Hopefully, you are already on your journey to IP ahead of the 2025 date, but if all of this is news to you, then reach out to us where we can discuss options and assist in your transition away from analogue into the digital world.

Gary Curtis

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