A new survey by M247 has found that 88% of UK businesses
still rely on the public switched telephone network (PSTN) for essential
services, such as alarm systems, CCTV cameras, analogue phone lines, and
broadband, despite the imminent PSTN stop-sell scheduled for September 2023.
The PSTN is a network of copper wires that has kept the UK connected since the
1800s, and its owner, Openreach, will switch the network off in December 2025.
The survey also found that 51% of businesses anticipate significant disruption
if the network is switched off before they migrate to fibre alternatives. Businesses
need to adopt the right IP technology to avoid serious consequences and disruption
in the future.
- 88% of UK businesses still rely on PSTN for essential
services, despite its imminent switch-off in 2025.
- Only 29% of businesses list the PSTN switch-off as a top
priority, despite over half anticipating significant disruption.
- Liz Hawke, Product Manager UC&C at M247, urges
businesses to adopt the right IP technology for their needs to avoid serious
consequences and disruption in months to come.
The UK’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) has been a
reliable backbone for businesses since the 1800s, but its end is near. With the
imminent PSTN stop-sell scheduled for September 2023 and a full deactivation of
the network by December 2025, businesses that still rely on it for essential
services such as analogue phone lines, broadband, alarm systems, and CCTV
cameras are facing a massive disruption. Despite the high awareness of the
switch-off, a new survey reveals that an overwhelming majority of UK businesses
(88%) still rely on PSTN, with a lack of action that is concerning. In this
article, we will dive into the impact of the PSTN switch-off on UK businesses
and the urgent need for them to take action.
Awareness of the switch-off is high, with 77% of the 500
UK-based IT decision-makers surveyed being aware that the switch-off is
happening by 2025. However, a stop-sell is scheduled for September this year,
which means businesses will be unable to place any new orders for PSTN
services, or make significant changes to existing services. The majority of
businesses have yet to take any action. Just over a quarter (29%) of businesses
list the PSTN switch-off as a top priority – trailing behind issues such as
growing cybersecurity threats (50%) and investment in cloud migration (47%).
This lack of action is concerning, given that over half (51%) of businesses
anticipate significant disruption if the network is switched off before they
migrate to fibre alternatives.
Impact on UK Businesses
The PSTN is a network of copper wires that has kept the UK
connected since the 1800s.Its owner, Openreach, will be switching the network
off in December 2025 due to increasing difficulties associated with maintaining
the now aged infrastructure, as well as evolving communication styles and
habits. The switch-off will have a massive impact on UK businesses, preventing
any further usage of analogue phone lines and older broadband connections, as
well as services such as lift lines, EPOS systems, and CCTV cameras, which may
come as a surprise to business owners unaware these services use PSTN lines. Of
the businesses using the PSTN, a third (33%) have over 100 devices connected,
with over half (51%) saying they would experience significant disruption if the
network was switched off before they had migrated. 80% of respondents believe
migration from PSTN services would take up to six months to complete, and 23%
believe the disruption caused by the switch-off would lead to a loss of
business.
“The UK’s PSTN switch-off will mark a historic change for business communications”
Expert Opinion
Liz Hawke, Product Manager UC&C at M247, said: “The
UK’s PSTN switch-off will mark a historic change for business communications
and a significant leap forward in the country’s adoption of digital
technologies. However, despite widespread awareness of the fast-approaching
switch-off, and the final stop-sell which is a matter of months away, an
overwhelming majority of UK businesses have failed to take action when it comes
to migrating away from the network.” She adds: “It’s important for
businesses to act sooner, rather than later, and adopt the right IP technology
for their needs to avoid serious consequences and disruption in months to come.
Having access to the latest connectivity and voice services has become
increasingly important for businesses who want to remain competitive in today’s
digital age. Hybrid work environments have meant that employees now require more
secure and seamless ways of working, and customers today expect the highest level
of customer service, delivered over multiple channels. Time is ticking for UK businesses,
and the bottom line is simple. Migrating away from PSTN is an important step in
the digital transformation process for businesses, and those that don’t act soon
risk being left behind.”
Final Thoughts:
The PSTN has served UK businesses for over a century, but
it’s time for a change. The switch-off of PSTN is a historic change for
business communications and a significant leap forward in the country’s
adoption of digital technologies. While awareness of the switch-off is high,
the majority of businesses have yet to take any action, despite the potential
significant disruption that may occur if they fail to migrate to fibre
alternatives. The clock is ticking, and businesses need to act now before it’s
too late. Migrating away from PSTN is an important step in the digital transformation
process for businesses, and those that don’t act soon risk being left behind.
It’s time for UK businesses to adopt the right IP technology for their needs and
avoid serious consequences and disruption in the months to come.
FAQ
Q: What is the PSTN?
A: The PSTN is a network of copper wires that has kept the
UK connected since the 1800s. It is used for essential services such as
analogue phone lines, broadband, alarm systems, and CCTV cameras.
Q: When is the PSTN switch-off happening?
A: The PSTN switch-off is scheduled for December 31, 2025.
Q: When is the PSTN stop-sell happening?
A: The PSTN stop-sell is scheduled for September 2023, which
means businesses will be unable to place any new orders for PSTN services, or
make significant changes to existing services.
Q: Are businesses aware of the PSTN switch-off?
A: Yes, awareness of the switch-off is high, with 77% of the
500 UK-based IT decision-makers surveyed being aware that the switch-off is
happening by 2025.
Q: What would happen if the network is switched off before
businesses migrate to fibre alternatives?
A: Over half (51%) of businesses anticipate significant
disruption if the network is switched off before they migrate to fibre
alternatives.
Q: How long would it take for businesses to migrate from
PSTN services?
A: 80% of respondents believe migration from PSTN services
would take up to six months to complete.
Q: Would the switch-off lead to a loss of business?
A: 23% of respondents believe the disruption caused by the
switch-off would lead to a loss of business.
Q: What should businesses do to avoid disruption?
A: Businesses need to act sooner rather than later, adopt
the right IP technology for their needs, and avoid serious consequences and
disruption in months to come. Migrating away from PSTN is an important step in
the digital transformation process for businesses, and those that don’t act
soon risk being left behind.
