It has been announced that Openreach will enact major changes to its services, permanently switching off some significant communications networks.

In 2025, analogue phone lines (both PSTN and ISDN types) will be turned off. These will also no longer be available for sale after 2020, in preparation for this. After this point, there will be no maintenance or recovery of phone lines, and any data sent will no longer be carried through PSTNs or ISDNs.

PSTN (The Public Switch Phone Network) is a system that enables landline connectivity, and which most of us have in our homes. ISDN (Integrated Service Digital Network) is typically a business service, which can carry both voice and data.

This decision is said to come due to cost-saving efforts. The current method of using a copper wire system is considerably out-dated (having been conceived in the 1800s!), and, although it has been improved throughout its lifespan, the core technology relied upon was devised centuries ago. It is costly to maintain these systems, and these costs are only increasing – ultimately resulting in higher costs for consumers.

It is estimated that around 2.4 million businesses will be affected, as 42% of SMEs and 33% of larger firms still use analogue lines. Those most impacted will be organisations using landline telephones and fax machines. Businesses need to look for alternative methods to maintain their communications services. Options for voice services including switching to Voice over IP (VoIP) or cloud phone systems. And for data services you should consider fibre optic connections or leased lines.

This could be an opportunity for businesses to improve their systems by updating to use modern technologies. We are providers of both VoIP and cloud phone systems. Contact us for advice on how to upgrade your business or for what to do if you are affected by the switch off.