PSTN switch off – what does it mean for your business?

BT plans to switch off the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) in 2025, as it moves everyone from analogue connections to digital. The switch will be universal, with no legacy systems permitted – so what does this mean for your business?

The big switch over will modernise BT’s network and help it deal with ever-growing volumes. Moving to ISDN lines will not only harness the additional processing that IP connectivity offers, but also replace the old copper networks, some of which have been in place since the 19^th century.

Domestic users are unlikely to even notice the switch over, but it may not be quite so straightforward for business users, currently using the old PSTN for a whole host of processes, including security systems, CCTV, door entry, EPOS and plenty more besides.

For those businesses concerned about next steps, BT has outlined five steps to take to ensure your business is digital-ready.

1. Get the connectivity right.

Review not just your current connectivity but where you expect it to go in future. Use the opportunity now to build a solution that’s fit for purpose and future proofed.

2. What else is using your voice line? Check for extra services.

Track down anything and everything using the PSTN as it will all need to be upgraded. Undertake a full audit whilst there’s still plenty of time to deliver a proper solution.

3. Excite, engage and educate your employees.

Don’t just make it so your employees know how to use the new technology – they should want to use it. Engaged, evangelical users will also squeeze every last drop out of what your technology offers.

4. Think about the hardware.

Like-for-like replacements of handsets and terminals are the easiest option, but maybe not necessarily the best. Find out from your employees how they currently use their devices and how they’d want to in future, to deliver a network that works for them.

5. Seize the opportunity for change.

This change from BT isn’t just another hurdle to get over – it offers businesses a real opportunity to consider their own ways of working and improvements that could be made. Consider closer integration across devices, or new ways to gather customer insight to make the change really work for you.