PSTN SWITCH-OFF DELAY
Switching it up The PSTN switch-off has been delayed by more than a year, but while it buys time for businesses that were not ready for this, it doesn’t mean they should delay plans to switch to digital technologies and resellers will have a vital role to play in this transition.
When BT recently announced that the switch-off of Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) will now be delayed from the original deadline of December 2025 to January 31, 2027, it came as little surprise to many – and a relief for some. Various surveys had indicated that a significant minority of businesses – mostly very small ones – were not ready for it. In addition, some vulnerable people, especially those using telecare services, were still
switch for most customers (businesses and consumers) – from copper to fibre – with all customers now expected to have moved off the old analogue PSTN by the end of January 2027, BT Group said. “The urgency for switching customers onto digital services grows by the day because the 40-year-old analogue landline technology is increasingly fragile,” says Howard Watson, chief security and networks officer, BT Group. “Managing customer migrations from analogue to digital as quickly and smoothly as possible, while making the necessary provisions for those customers with additional needs, including telecare users, is critically important.” Over the following pages, various leaders and analysts in the sector give their reaction to the delay, but also offer advice on what resellers should be aware of when talking to businesses – especially smaller ones – about upgrading their technology in the coming months.
using analogue systems that wouldn’t be updated before the time of the original deadline, which could pose serious dangers to their health and safety. The revised approach will result in a single
Steven Try , channel manager UK&I, Snom “The switchover will impact individual
this only buys an additional 13 months. “For those yet to make the transition, there are plenty of IP-based options to explore including VoIP. This enables seamless audio calls over the internet and is therefore considered ‘plug and play’ compared to ISDN lines. IP phones have several advantages over traditional phones that can help businesses remain agile and flexible. For example, because IP phones are highly mobile and don’t require physical installation of a new line, they can be relocated anywhere on an IP network and will automatically reconnect. This makes them an ideal solution for hybrid and remote workers. “Organisations should still aim for the initial deadline and use the additional time to carry out further testing and address any potential challenges. In doing so, organisations can confidently minimise any disruptions further down the line.”
consumers and businesses alike, and a large reason for the delay is to ensure a smoother transition for vulnerable customers. This follows a series of incidents last year that saw telecare devices that rely on landlines – including personal alarms – stop working. “Ensuring that end users aren’t compromised is essential and there is clearly some work to be done in identifying vulnerable customers and making sure that they are equipped with a working device. “For organisations yet to complete the transition, it’s crucial that this latest announcement isn’t viewed as a signal to take their foot off the gas. As a Berlin-based business, we experienced the transition back in 2016 and know that this really is a case of the sooner, the better. When deadlines are extended, there is always a risk that the sense of urgency will diminish, yet the reality is that
Steven Try
snom.com
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