What is the future of BT Openreach’s Big Switch Off?
If you’ve been seeing the updates, the PSTN and ISDN switch off process has already begun-- meaning that, as of September 2023, service providers have stopped selling the implementation of traditional telephone line solutions. Next, by January 2027, the traditional copper network spanning the UK will officially become obsolete to usher in the era of internet voice solutions. Telephone land lines will be shut down and calls will be facilitated through different technology. So, who is most impacted by this change?
The answer is businesses who will need to migrate all their voice communications to a Voice over IP (VoIP) solution. This evolution is especially significant for those who have high call volumes, customer-centric approaches, and operations that require heavy collaboration.
In this article, we’re giving an overview of everything that organisations need to know as they navigate these technology changes.
What is ISDN (and PSTN)?
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) are both traditional phone line solutions that will be shut off as part of the UK’s Big Switch Off in 2027. Businesses using either communication method will need to switch to VoIP solutions before the year end.
PSTN is a traditional analogue communication method leveraging copper wires to transfer speech signals, while ISDN is a digital communication system (allowing for faster data transfer rates) which also uses telephone lines. Both solutions will need to be replaced by alternative voice communications through the internet.
Why is The ISDN Switch Off happening?
BT Openreach, the network supplier that owns the UK’s phone and broadband lines, is shutting down traditional copper phone lines by January 2027. This change is made in a push to switch communications to IP-based solutions.
This change in technology is primarily because the traditional copper wire network spanning the length of the UK is extremely expensive to maintain, and, not to mention, much more rigid in its capabilities. Moving telephone services to the internet is more cost effective for businesses and allows for many upgrades in communications, such as Unified Communicaitons (UC). Without having to worry about a physical network of wiring, there are also less concerns when it comes to natural disasters, disruptions, and other potential problems for telephone services.
What Should businesses do before the Big Switch Off?
Organisations of all sizes that are currently using ISDN or PSTN for their telephone communications will need to make a switch to VoIP before January 2027, whether it’s when their current service contract ends or sooner. Because traditional services are no longer being sold, there will no longer be the option to renew.
As many voice service providers would strongly advise, it is recommended that businesses make the change sooner rather than later. Delaying the switch will not only cause a headache and potential disruptions for IT specialists, but also result in cash left on the table.
One of the key business impacts of switching communications to the internet will be cost savings. Paying for VoIP is significantly less expensive than traditional telephone plans (reducing costs by an estimated 70%!) and companies do not need to wait to take advantage of this upgrade.
The real bottom line of The Big Switch Off: better communications for a better price.
In the meantime, ensure to take down these key dates:
31st January 2027: The hard stop. By this time, all copper telephone lines will be officially shut down, and telephony services will be conducted over the internet.
2033: The UK government has aims for a gigabit-capable broadband network available nationally, ensuring stability of VoIP.
Business VoIP Solution Options
There are several choices when it comes to VoIP, meaning businesses can find what will work for their functionality and budget needs when preparing for the ISDN/PSTN Switch Off.
By adding a Voice plan to your organisation, users can make, receive, and transfer calls to and from landlines and mobile phones in Microsoft Teams. With options like Kube Teams Connect, is a simple addition to your MS Teams; designed to work seamlessly and add enhanced telephony features - streamlining your business communications.
It’s a cost-effective, more flexible alternative to both traditional PBX and Microsoſt Calling Plans - allowing your business to implement voice services, benefit from our user-friendly platform, seamlessly integrate products, work with a familiar functionality and experience full support from our KubeNet engineers. Kube Teams Connect combines the resilience and global reach of KubeNet’s own private voice network, with the speed and flexibility of our fully managed services - plus access to our team of voice experts.
A cloud-based telephone system that enables a wide range of all the features needed for telephone service without the requirement for hardware or equipment.
Instead of relying on traditional phone lines, hosted telephony uses the internet to transmit voice data in the form of digital packets. With advanced telephony features that fit around your business needs, more reliable connections and the ability to take calls no matter where you or your team are located, hosted telephony allows your business to connect faster and work smarter.
Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) Trunks convert analog voice signals into data packets, allowing for both national and international phone calls through the internet and easily scalable call plans.
With both Private and Public SIP Solutions, KubeNet are perfectly positioned to connect you to your customers and partners, with low cost calling. KubeNet SIP will replace rigid and expensive ISDN solutions and will reduce costs, increase resilience, flexibility and control within your business
Concluding Thoughts
Choosing the right move for your business as it navigates The Big Switch Off does not have to be daunting. Armed with the right knowledge and technology, this can be a seamless transition to upgraded communications for your organisation.
KubeNet’s team of IT specialists are experienced in implementing tailored approaches when it comes to voice solutions. With a history of servicing customers from various industries, our team can help any organisation implement the telephony solutions that are the best fit for their business.
Speak with our team about making the voice switch today.
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