NEWS
Most businesses still relying on PSTN despite 2025 switch-off
An overwhelming majority (88%) of UK businesses are still reliant on the public switched telephone network (PSTN) for essential services, such as analogue phone lines, broadband, alarm systems and CCTV cameras, a survey has found. This is despite the imminent PSTN stop-sell in September, which will see the sale of all new PSTN-related products halted, followed by a full deactivation of the network by December 31, 2025. The findings are from a survey commissioned by global cloud and connectivity provider M247, which explores the current state of PSTN usage among UK businesses. The PSTN is a network of copper wires that has kept the UK connected since the 1800s. Its owner, Openreach, will switch the network off due to increasing difficulties associated with maintaining the now aged infrastructure, as well as evolving communication styles and habits. The switch-off will prevent any further usage of analogue phone lines and older broadband connections, as well as services such as lift lines, EPOS systems and CCTV cameras, which may come as a surprise to business owners unaware these services use PSTN lines. M247 surveyed 500 UK-based IT decision makers and found that awareness of the switch-off is high – 77% of respondents are aware it is happening by 2025. Despite awareness for the PSTN stop-sell being equally high (76%) – the vast majority have yet to take any action. Just 29% of businesses list the PSTN switch-off as a top priority – trailing behind issues such as growing cybersecurity threats (50%) and investment in cloud migration (47%). Of the businesses using the PSTN, 33%
have more than 100 devices connected, with 51% saying they would experience significant disruption if the network was switched off before they had migrated. In addition, 80% of respondents believe migration from PSTN services would take up to six months to complete and 23% believe the disruption caused by the switch-off would lead to a loss of business. This makes the fact that so many businesses are yet to make the switch more alarming. “The UK’s PSTN switch-off will mark a historic change for business communications and a major leap forward in the country’s adoption of digital technologies,” said Liz Hawke, product manager UC&C at M247. “However, despite widespread awareness of the fast-approaching switch-off, and the final stop-sell which is a matter of months away, an overwhelming majority of UK businesses have failed to take action when it comes to migrating away from the network. “It’s important for businesses to act sooner, rather than later, and adopt the right IP technology for their needs to avoid serious consequences and disruption in months to come. Having access to the latest connectivity and voice services has become increasingly important for businesses who want to remain competitive in today’s digital age. Hybrid work environments have meant that employees now require more secure and seamless ways of working, and customers today expect the highest level of customer service, delivered over multiple channels. Time is ticking for UK businesses and the bottom line is simple. Migrating away from PSTN is an important step in the digital transformation process for businesses, and those that don’t act soon risk being left behind.”
Liz Hawke product manager
m247.com
OneSpan launches new Customer Success Packages
Digital agreements security company OneSpan has launched its new Customer Success Packages, providing modern centralised success service offerings with tiered subscription models for flexible, ongoing customer success with OneSpan solutions. OneSpan Customer Success Packages combine the ‘traditional’ value-added services of Professional Services, Customer Success Management and Customer Support into one
cohesive customer unit to deliver a simple and rewarding experience throughout the entire customer journey helping organisations accelerate value realisation. The complexity involved in most enterprise implementations goes beyond a one-size- fits-all approach to deploying technology. Tailoring a solution within an organisation’s business process, especially those that are customer-facing and revenue-generating, is critical. OneSpan’s Customer Success
onespan.com
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