Getting ready for PSTN Switch off in 2025

In December 2018, Openreach, the company that maintain the UK’s telephone network and infrastructure, formally announced the withdrawal of their fixed telephone line products (Public Switched Telephone Network - PSTN), with the vision to upgrade their network to more robust fibre products. Openreach now have a five-year programme in place, whereby a complete withdrawal of their fixed line services will be completed by December 2025. At Tactile Technology, we are starting to prepare for this major industry shake-up. Below are some frequently asked questions about the PSTN switch off.

Why is this important to me?

This is a national change that involves one of the biggest infrastructure modifications, whereby broadband services that currently rely on the analogue phone line and voice services will be withdrawn. These will be replaced with future-proof broadband services, including Ultrafast and Superfast Fibre.

Why do this now?

Analogue and other lines, such as business ISDN lines, have been used for many years to serve the UK for both its voice and broadband needs. The underlying technology is dated, becoming harder to maintain to support the future of broadband and the UK’s transition to better digital services. Thanks to the advancements in fibre technology, which offer faster speeds and reliability, the focus is now to expand the fibre network, making it a better solution to today’s online demands.

How will this impact me?

If you use your telephone line for making and receiving calls, your service will need to be updated. Any additional services, such as alarms, healthcare pendants or CCTV features that use your telephone line will also need to be considered. You need to advise your provider that your line supports these additional services, as they may not be aware. If you are using a broadband which relies on telephone line, you can migrate to a single order broadband product.

How do I find out what broadband service and speeds I can have in my area?

Before you move, we can check what is available for your area and address, in some cases we may be able to check if there is any faster technology planned. When you buy a new broadband service, we will provide you with the speed that you will currently be able to obtain.

What happens to my voice service when I move?

Your voice services will stop working and instead you can migrate to a VoIP service, whereby you continue to make/receive calls, keep your existing telephone number and enjoy high quality voice and a range of call features. You may choose to use your existing phone (if compatible) or take advantage of new handsets designed for VoIP.

What is VoIP?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) offers higher quality voice and features which rely on a working broadband service.

If I move to the new Single Order broadband, can I move my telephone number to the new VoIP service all at once?

Yes, we can migrate your line to a Single Order broadband product and provide you with voice all at the same time. There might be a small period of downtime whilst your new service is activated, and your telephone number migrates from existing phone line to voice service.

I only use broadband, therefore, do I still need a voice service?

No, one of the benefits of single order broadband products means that you do not require a voice service. Rather, the voice service is an optional add-on to your broadband service.

What should I do with my old telephone(s)/device(s) once I move to Single Order broadband?

Simply disconnect it from the telephone socket, as it may cause interference with your Single Order broadband.

I only use the voice service; do I have to order broadband too?

As the analogue line is being withdrawn, the replacement product will be Single Order Broadband only. However, a lower voice bandwidth product is available to enable you to use VoIP so that you can continue using voice only service.

I am a business that relies on devices such as alarm systems, lift lines, card payment machines and FAXs - will these work with the new Single Order products?

It is important that you contact the vendor of these devices to confirm whether they are IP compatible. If not, then you will need to source new devices which are IP compatible, to allow you to continue running your business. Otherwise, these devices will stop working when moving to a Single Order product.

My broadband/data usage is very low, do I still need to move to the high-speed packages?

We recognise that not all broadband users are the same in terms of their usage, for instance, your business may rely on processing transaction payments only and does not stream online media content or that of a typical residential user. In these circumstances, a low bandwidth, symmetrical 500 Kbps (0.5 Mbps) package is available.

As always, we are here to help, so if you do have any further questions, or if you are looking to review your telephony and connectivity requirements, then please do not hesitate to contact us.