It’s now almost 1000 days until the UK faces one of the most monumental changes to its nationwide networking in the last 30 years; on December 2025, BT will be turning off their PSTN and ISDN networks requiring all customers to migrate to a single IP network, such as VoIP.
Unlike single IP networks PSTN and ISDN lines are physical wires that connect from one point to another, this makes implementing new lines and maintaining original lines much more difficult in comparison to VoIP, which allows calls to be made over an internet connection. In addition to this, PSTN and ISDN lines are generally just a much older technology and therefore offer very little in additional features and scalability.
Compared to VoIP these 19th century lines are inferior and BT have recognised this with a quote from their ‘switch off’ article stating, “It’s now time to leap forward from PSTN to embrace the boundless possibilities of digital.”. This Massive change has been nick named the ‘Big Switch Off’.
Despite the ‘Big Switch Off’ taking effect in less than 3 years a study by Onecom has found that 25% of UK businesses are unaware of the ISDN switch off, this suggests many businesses could risk leaving it too late before switching, causing them to technologically fall behind their competitors. 2022 will be the year any serious business addresses the ‘Big Switch Off’ by upgrading to modern telephony solution such as VoIP.
PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) – Has been in place since the late 1800s. PSTN lines are the original copper wiring that are primarily used for analogue voice services and broadband services.
ISDN (Integrated Services digital Network) – Is the sequel to PSTN. ISDN lines work similarly by using copper wiring but instead splits this copper line into multiple digital channels. These channels are still connected through a single copper line and run concurrently allowing multiple phones to make and receive calls simultaneously and offer additional features.
Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP is a modern telephony solution that is fast becoming the standard. VoIP allows calls to be made with a mobile or computer using an internet connection. This is great for businesses because it removes the need to be connected to a fixed line at a fixed location allowing greater flexibility than PSTN and ISDN lines ever could.
Most businesses have already switched to VoIP systems and are reaping the benefits. Businesses that still use PSTN or ISDN lines and are happy with them may be wary of changing with concerns of increased costs. Fortunately for these businesses VoIP not only provides more features and flexibility, it’s also distinctly cheaper to run and maintain than PSTN and ISDN lines.
For businesses that haven’t already made the change here are some of the other benefits you can look forward to, these should also give even more reason to make the switch sooner rather than later:
A study conducted by Growth Business found that 42% of SMEs still use ISDN lines. That means approximately 2.4 million businesses are going to be scrambling to put their new network in place before their old systems simply stop working.
Don’t be one of these unfortunate businesses that allow themselves to fall technologically behind. All businesses will have to switch by 2025, therefore implementing a new network like VoIP now would put your business ahead its competitors.
A lot of businesses will inevitably leave it too late to before switching and will therefore be forced to rush reworking their network. Alternatively, upgrading now means not only future proofing , but a telephony system with countless advantages over ISDN
When it comes to changing to VoIP a lot of business don’t know where to start, below is a rough timeline of how a business would likely go about planning and making this change.
Currently around 2.4 million small business still use ISDN or PSTN lines, but in 2025 BT will be turning these lines off in favour of single IP networks like VoIP; this is a monumental change that these 2.4 million businesses need to address. Switching to late would allow your competitors to get ahead and cause your business to fall technologically behind. Upgrading to a modern technology solution like VoIP now will save your business time and money long term.
If you like many businesses feel ready to upgrade but don’t know where to start it could be time to partner with a reliable MSP like the entrust IT Group who deal with the entire VoIP implementation processes in house, whilst also offering advice and guidance. The entrust IT group have been at the forefront of VoIP implementation for several years and have experience working with countless businesses keeping them connected through the power of VoIP.
Feel ready to address your businesses Big Switch Off concerns? Please feel free to get in contact with one of our experienced consultants on 330 002 0045 or email enquiries@entrustit.co.uk.