Eight things that will stop working after PSTN switch off
The question is: what will stop working when Openreach switch off PSTN?
You might be looking at the looming 2027 public switched telephone network (PSTN) switch off deadline with some trepidation.
To help shine a light on the situation, we've assembled a list of technologies that you'll need to upgrade before the deadline.
1. Alarms
If your facilities rely on PSTN, you'll want to consider moving to an IP service that leverages SOGEA and backup 4G connectivity.
2. Monitoring systems
Many sectors use monitoring systems that rely on the copper cables of PSTN. For example, wastewater companies use monitoring devices to prevent flooding and pollution.
3. Lifts
Analogue auto dialers in lift alarms will also stop working. Instead, manufacturers will replace them with GSM alternatives and use SIM cards instead. Thankfully, this also comes with lower costs than a landline.
4. Broadband services
Any broadband connection that uses a telephone line will have to switch. ADSL will soon be a thing of the past.
5. Fax machines
Granted, you probably haven't used a fax machine for a while. However, it's still a popular tool in sectors such as healthcare and law. These will need replacing if they use the PSTN.
6. Door entry systems
Phone and video door entry systems sometimes rely on PSTN services. This is especially the case in historic or listed buildings with regulatory constraints.
7. Payment terminals
Point of sale (PoS) terminals may need updating as well. Again, this is often the case at older stores and where terminals live at a fixed location.
8. Phone lines
All businesses will need to migrate their phone systems off the copper network. This requires making the jump to a VoIP cloud telephony system or perhaps integrating VoIP with Microsoft Teams.
If you're a business with a customer contact centre running an on-premises PBX, this of course needs modernising too. Here, you'll want a scalable cloud contact centre instead.
Get prepared for the PTSN switch off
As you can see, there are many technologies that make use of PSTN services. Telephony systems, broadband connections, alarm systems - these all need updating before 2027.
However, when you already have multiple plates to spin, finding time to review your own systems, find alternate connections, and build a strategy is challenging.
So why not start a conversation with a partner you know has direct experience?
