The UK’s traditional phone network, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which also includes Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) lines, is being permanently switched off. The final date for this is 31st January 2027. As of September 2023, it is no longer possible to buy new PSTN or ISDN services.

This is not a simple change. It will affect any device that uses a traditional phone line. This includes not just your office phones, but also other systems such as:

• Fax machines
• Alarm systems (intruder and fire)
• Door entry systems
• CCTV
• EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) terminals
• Franking machines
• Telecare and medical alert devices

If your business relies on any of these, you need to act now to avoid service disruption.

Why is this happening?

The PSTN is old technology. It’s expensive to maintain and cannot deliver the speed or reliability required for modern business communications. The move to digital, IP-based services like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a necessary technological step forward.

What does this mean for your business?

All voice and data services that currently use the PSTN or ISDN will need to be migrated to an IP-based alternative. This means you will be using your internet connection to make calls and transmit data. The benefits of moving to a digital system include:

• Cost Savings: Lower monthly fees and reduced hardware costs are common.
• Flexibility: Your staff can work from any location with an internet connection. It is also straightforward to add or remove users as your business needs change.
• Improved Functionality: Modern VoIP systems offer advanced features like video conferencing, call routing and integration with other business software.
• Business Continuity: In the event of an outage, calls can be automatically rerouted to other locations or mobile devices, ensuring you stay connected.

What you need to do

The 2027 deadline is final. To ensure a smooth transition, you should start planning now. XMA can help you by:

1. Auditing Your Systems: We will identify all devices and services in your organisation that rely on the PSTN or ISDN. This includes not just the obvious, but also the easily overlooked systems like alarms and payment terminals.
2. Assessing Your Connectivity: We will analyse your current internet connection to ensure it has the capacity and reliability to handle your voice and data traffic. We can recommend and implement any necessary upgrades.
3. Migrating Your Services: We have partnered with RingCentral, a leading provider of cloud communications solutions, to offer a straightforward migration path to VoIP. We will manage the process for you, from planning to implementation, to ensure a seamless transition with minimal disruption to your business.

Don’t wait until the last minute. The move to all-IP is a significant change, and leaving it too late could result in a loss of service and impact your business operations.

Talk to your XMA Account Manager, or contact us today at enquiries@xma.co.uk to discuss your requirements and create a migration plan that is right for your business.