PSTN 2027 switch off

FAQs

• Why is the PSTN switch off happening?

  Openreach are discontinuing their legacy PSTN network to focus on new and improved modern fibre technology.

• What does stop sale mean?

  At the time of stop sale, you will no longer be able to renew your contract for the traditional PSTN network based services. Additionally, you will no longer be able to order any new services (new phonelines etc.) to your service.

• How do I know when my area will reach the stop sale and stop service phase?

  Openreach have provided a list of their stop sell exchange sites and when these will be happening, here.

• What services will be affected?

  Basically, anything currently using a copper line. In addition to the typical phone and broadband services you initially think of, services such as cctv, alarms, lift lines, door entry systems, fax machines, and card machines will all be affected by the PSTN switch off. Any services that currently use a phone line to work will need to be moved away from the PSTN network ahead of the switch off.

• Can I keep my current phone system?

  Yes, but this requires your current PBX (private telephone system) to be SIP compatible, which can often require costly hardware and licensing upgrades. As an alternative, you could look to migrate to a hosted voice or Microsoft Teams based solution. If your current PBX is SIP ready, or you are looking to migrate to a hosted system, get in touch with Claranet today for us to begin to support you in this transfer.

• What happens if I do nothing?

  Your telephone lines will stop working, you might no longer be able to take card payments and any ADSL services will stop working.

• What are the alternatives to the PSTN network?

  The following technologies replacing PSTN are being implemented by Openreach:

  • FTTP (fibre to the premise): Providing broadband and internet solutions directly to the property.
  • SOGEA: Fibre to the cabinet (FTTC), followed by SOGEA to the property. SOGEA will use the existing copper line but without the analogue capability, and it will become an IP only connectivity line.

• How do I know which services and numbers I need to move?

  We can work with you to help identify the purpose of your current lines, their usage and replacement options.

• Why is it better to move over to an all IP approach such as VOIP?

  VOIP offers many more features and at an individual user level is often much cheaper than a traditional PSTN offering. On top of the additional features, you also have better resiliency and control over disaster recovery, enabling your business to offer the level of service your customers expect.

• Is there a broadband alternative?

  The following broadband options are available as alternatives as part of the UK’s move to an All IP future:

  • FTTP (fibre to the premise): Providing fibre broadband and internet solutions directly to the property. Ideal for delivering fast broadband for offices and homeworkers with different speed options available.
  • SOGEA: (Single order GEA) is one of the next generations of broadband products available as is the typical replacement service for FTTC. SOGEA is similar to

    FTTC but does not require any underlying voice line to work, making it a data only connectivity line.

• What happens if there isn’t FTTP in my area yet?

  When FTTP is not yet available in your area, you can be moved onto the SOGEA network instead. This is a line connection which is for broadband use only. Openreach have confirmed that they will be continually adding to and updating the fibre network and it is expected that FTTP will continue to be rolled out to premises.

• If I move to VoIP, will I have to change my phone number?

  No, you can migrate your phone number. Claranet can port your number onto the all-IP approach for you.

• Stop service isn’t until 2027, why do I need to act now?

  The PSTN service is happening. By acting now, you can futureproof your business, increase business flexibility, and reduce costs. Migrating your services, updating the offices, and replacing the phone system requires time to build a robust plan. Claranet can do the hard work for you, providing you with a modern and bespoke service customised for your specific business needs.

• My lifts, alarms, and CCTV are all via the PSTN network. Who do I speak to to get these migrated?

  Claranet can work with you to replace the traditional PSTN lines that supply these services. However, the provider of this technology will be able to guide you further on how they plan to transfer their equipment to the new all-IP approach.

• What are the benefits of moving to FTTP or SOGEA?

  The best option available is FTTP. This delivers an almost guaranteed amount of bandwidth, in the case of Claranet the standard being 80Mbps download and 20Mbps upload (although higher bandwidths are available if required). Availability of this service is subject to location. The alternative is SoGEA - this provides the same bandwidth that you would receive on FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet - typically between 5 and 80Mbps download speed and up to 20Mbps upload speed) but allows you to remove the need for a PSTN line to support the broadband. If you are a Claranet customer with an FTTC connection today, contact us and we may be able to convert your FTTC service to SoGEA overnight without you needing to do anything.

• Will my business still be operational while Claranet migrates everything to an all-IP approach?

  Claranet will work with you to migrate your services, ensuring that there is minimal impact to your business.

• Can I save money by doing this?

  Yes you can, and in a number of ways:

  • Data connectivity: when you move to a service such a SogEA or FTTP, you will no longer need to pay for the PSTN line that your existing ADSL or FTTC circuit is dependent upon. In most cases this is worth between £110 and £200 per year dependent on your current provider.
  • Telephony, the savings can be much higher and come in four areas; Line Rental, telephone system rental, Call Charges and actually understanding who still needs telephony in your business. A move to Voice over IP can amount to many £thousands per annum in cost reductions, as well as providing better communications tools to your users which give them greater mobility and productivity.