The PSTN Switch Off by Openreach
What is happening?
The traditional landline phone network (PSTN) is being switched off by Openreach, and all landline services are moving to digital technology / Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. This change, which is often referred to as The PSTN Switch Off, means that phone calls will no longer be connected through the copper wire network, but instead via broadband.
Why is this happening?
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is over 100 years old and has become outdated and difficult to maintain. Transitioning to a digital system will offer a more reliable, efficient, and future-proof service. This change will ensure that your phone services continue to operate smoothly while providing new benefits associated with digital technology.
Here is BT’s take on it: The UK’s PSTN network will switch off in 2027 | BT Business
Important Markers
September 2023
The last date Openreach accepted PSTN orders.
December 2025
Businesses to have transited to fully digital services to ensure uninterrupted communication.
January 2027
The final shutdown of the PSTN will take place, marking the complete shift from analogue to digital landlines.
Will we be better off with digital?
The transition to an all-digital system isn’t just necessary because the old phone system is outdated; it offers significant advantages as well.
At its most basic level, all-digital communication allows you to make and receive calls on any device, from anywhere, using the same number.
You’ll also be able to integrate your business applications and systems with video chats, calls, and collaboration tools, bringing you closer to both customers and colleagues.
The PSTN switch-off is expected to save a significant amount of power, likely in the range of 30%–60% of the network energy previously required for voice services. The production of fibre optic cable is less energy intensive than the mining and manufacture of copper cabling. Fibre is less susceptible to signal degradation, damage and corrosion leading to better reliability and longer expected life spans.
Additionally, the cost savings that IP technology provides make it clear that moving to digital should be a top priority. There’s no reason to wait until the last minute.
Will I lose my existing telephone number?
The PSTN switch off means that telephone numbers are no longer required for broadband services including copper SOGEA broadband services. This change will result in simpler billing, as well as simplified and faster fault resolution.
As we migrate you to a new service, the phone number on your existing broadband line will be retired. If your phone line and number are currently provided by Datanet you will not be using it for outbound calls, but you may have been receiving inbound calls.
If you are using the number for inbound calls and would like to retain the phone number, or your PSTN line is from another provider and you are using it for any calls, please contact us so that we can talk to you about retaining the number and using a VoIP service.
What do I need to do?
Talk to us about your options.
We will be reaching out to each of our customers over the next few months, and where possible we will migrate you to our latest fibre broadband product, using either the Openreach of CityFibre last mile networks. You can of course contact us if you would like to take advantage of better speeds as soon as possible.
In most cases an engineer visit will be required at your premises if you are moving to a fibre service.
You may need a new broadband router but many existing routers are compatible – we can help you check your equipment will work with the new service and understand your options.
What is Datanet doing to help broadband customers?
As part of Datanet’s commitment to ensure we can offer customers access to the fastest and most reliable broadband services available, we are migrating customers to a new broadband platform and upgrading services.
Where possible we are moving customers to the best service available as follows:
We will be contacting our broadband customers over the next few months with details about new services available to replace existing connections.
Some locations have not yet been upgraded to the latest fibre based services, but to ensure continued reliable operation we are moving all customers to our new platform.
Contact Our Helpful Staff
Call one of our helpful team on 01252 810010 and have a chat about how Datanet can help with your transition.
