Get Ready: The Upcoming Big Switch-Off Affects Everyone
The imminent "Big Switch-Off" impacts us all. It's common knowledge that the UK's Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) will bid farewell in December 2025.
This shift affects everyone. The outdated PSTN can't keep pace with today's communication demands, so transitioning to a fully digital landscape is a significant leap forward. In simple terms, virtually everything will be Internet-based.
However, it's not just our telephone lines feeling the impact of the PSTN phase-out. Any equipment relying on PSTN will cease to function. This includes alarm systems, cameras, fax machines, door entry systems, and EPOS machines - yes, some are still in use!
Additionally, you might need to update your broadband and some other hardware. And of course, businesses will still require phone lines. This means embracing digital technology, such as VoIP (Voice Over the Internet) phone systems.
If you haven't already made the switch to fiber broadband, it's time to consider it, especially if it's available in your area. Fiber is rapidly being deployed across the country, so accessibility is on the horizon if it hasn't arrived already.
Although it might seem like an additional task on your to-do list, this change comes with numerous advantages. Traditional phone lines no longer provide the call quality or reliability they once did. Shifting to internet-based phone systems offers benefits like improved call quality, reduced costs, enhanced scalability, and more features to enhance customer experiences.
Digital phone systems also align better with contemporary work practices. You can make or take calls from the office, home, or while on the go - all through the same number.
Studies indicate that transitioning to fiber will bridge connectivity gaps for rural and remote communities, significantly boosting productivity.
Moreover, digital phone lines will be compatible with more devices and offer heightened security, enhancing your business's protection against cyber threats.
Time is on your side, but it's not unlimited. With the ultimate switch-off scheduled for December 2025, it's crucial to plan for these changes. If you require assistance or guidance on selecting the right digital phone systems, transitioning to a fiber network, or upgrading devices currently reliant on PSTN, reach out to us today.