What’s the ISDN/PSTN switch-off?
BT is retiring the infrastructure that supports landline phones. They’re installing a more advanced digital network in its place, and all calls will be routed over IP (internet protocol).
This is already under way, and in many parts of the country the old lines are shut down. This will be complete nationwide by 2025.
What are ISDN and PSTN lines?
PSTN stands for public switched telephone network. This is basically the same copper-cable technology the very first phones ran on back in the late 1800s.
ISDN means integrated services digital network. It was first rolled out in the 1980s and was a big upgrade on PSTN. Among other improvements, it allowed multiple simultaneous calls on a single line.
ISDN has been improved over the years to keep up with advances in broadband. But eventually, BT decided enough was enough – and instead of more tweaks, we needed a whole new network.
Why is BT shutting them down?
In short, they’re 20th century technologies, for the age of landlines and fax machines. We use far more data than ever before – think of video calls, the cloud, smartphones…
The Gloucestershire region and the whole of the UK needs the digital infrastructure to support this new world. This means faster broadband and higher speeds. This faster broadband is already widespread, why not check out our new broadband checker to see if your business is eligible to upgrade?
Is Gloucestershire going to be affected by the ISDN/PSTN switch-off
In short, yes. The whole of the UK, including Gloucestershire, will be affected by the ISDN/PSTN switch-off. However, there’s no need to fret as RHM Telecom have everything you could need to be able to make the switch easier!
How does the ISDN/PSTN switch-off affect you?
After the switch-off, every business in Gloucestershire will need a phone system that runs over IP, and the connectivity to support it. Without this, your phones won’t work. And it’s not just phones – lots of other technologies run on these old phone lines. These could include CCTV, EPOS and access control systems.
What’s an alternative solution?
We recommend a cloud-based phone system. These are incredibly flexible, scalable and feature-rich. Instead of being tied down to hardware, you get a powerful system that you can use from anywhere.
You’ll have all the features of a traditional phone system and more. With a cloud system from RHM, you can do voice, video, instant messaging and so much more.
It’s time to switch up before you’re switched off!
