By January2027, Openreach will switch off the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN),including the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). The PSTN is the technology which runs the landline network, the ISDN transfers voice and data over traditional phone lines.

Openreach is replacing its legacy copper network with digital services, fibre and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solutions.If your business is still using analogue technology, it’s important that you review and update your connectivity to ensure that no services are lost.

What does this mean?

All traditional phone lines and broadband connections using the analogue network must be migrated to digital IP and fibre technology to avoid business interruptions.

What do I need to do?

If you have devices which rely on an analogue voice or broadband connection, you’ll need to convert to replacement Internet Protocol (IP) and fibre technology.

You’ll also need to upgrade your connectivity if your business is using the PSTN for services such as:

·      Alarms
·      EPOS machines
·      Door entry systems
·      CCTV
·      Telecare systems.

What are the replacement technologies?

Hosted VoIP or cloud telephony systems use an internet connection to connect calls rather than traditional copper technology. A cloud PBX allows you to make calls from anywhere as long as there is a reliable internet connection, providing business continuity and seamless access for remote and hybrid workers.
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Fibre to the Premises broadband provides all the way to the premise high speed connectivity. Full fibre broadband uses fibre optic connectivity, delivering reliable, high internet upload and download speeds.

SoGEA stand-alone superfast broadband provides Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) connectivity without the need for a traditional voice line.

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and SIP trunks deliver connectivity to the telephone network using the internet. SIP is the protocol that powers communication sessions, including VoIP connectivity. A SIP trunk offers over the internet connectivity for business phone systems, video conferencing and other forms of communications.

Benefits of moving to all-IP

The good news is that there are a number of benefits of moving to digital replacement technologies! They are flexible, quicker and more resilient than legacy copper solutions.

Digital alternative technologies enable unified communications, facilitate integration with the latest technologies and provide access to cloud-based services.

Future proof your business
Hosted VoIP provides more flexibility than a traditional PBX, flexible licensing options mean that businesses can scale up and scale down as required to adapt to your changing needs. Seat model pricing enables you to easily monitor and control costs.      

CloudPBX solutions allow your team to access their calls remotely or from the office, using a compatible desk phone, softphone or smartphone App – providing flexible voice connectivity for your hybrid and remote working teams.

‍The move to full fibre
Providing a higher bandwidth, superior speeds, full fibre is ideal for businesses with heavy internet usage and multiple users that need a high performing reliable solution.

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)
SIP enablesVoIP connectivity and offers flexibility, speed, resilience and access to cloud-based services, supporting voice, video and messaging communications, facilitating video conferencing, instant messaging, and multimedia messaging. A single SIP trunk can handle multiple calls using one connection.  

Be prepared, migrate to all-IP

If your business needs any advice on moving to a digital solution, we’re here to help. We’ll work with you to support your migration to replacement and transit technologies.