In the ever-evolving landscape of telecommunications, significant changes are on the horizon. The era when phone calls have been handled by the public switched telephone network (PSTN) is almost over. The backbone of traditional landline phone systems is set to undergo a significant transformation. In a move towards modernization, many countries around the world are planning to retire the legacy PSTN infrastructure and transition to all-digital networks. This transition will have far-reaching implications for businesses and consumers alike, which should be addressed in advance.

What to Expect by 2025?

The PSTN, which has served as the primary means of voice communication for over a century, relies on analog technology and copper wires. However, the rise of digital communication technologies, including Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and mobile networks, has rendered the PSTN outdated and costly to maintain. Consequently, governments and telecommunications providers are charting a new course to embrace the digital future.

Between now and 2025, countries across the globe will be phasing out the PSTN infrastructure. This involves a carefully orchestrated process to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruption to communication services. Telecommunications providers will gradually migrate their voice services from the traditional PSTN to IP-based networks. Thus, voice-over IP (VoIP) technology will become the go-to solution for voice communication, and all of the calls will be run via VoIP. 

As the PSTN is decommissioned, copper lines will gradually be retired. This means that traditional landline phones that rely on copper connections will no longer be supported. Instead, communication will rely on internet-based technologies such as VoIP, mobile networks, and fiber optic infrastructure.

To facilitate the transition, governments and telecommunication providers are working to ensure the widespread availability of high-speed broadband internet. It's important for businesses and consumers to start planning for the big PSTN switch-off. Evaluate your communication needs and explore modern alternatives such as VoIP, unified communications, and mobile solutions. 

How to Get My Business Ready for the Switch?

The big PSTN switch-off is approaching, and it's essential for your business to be prepared for the changes that lie ahead. According to a recent survey, 62.1% of UK businesses continue to rely on traditional landline systems within their organizations, and 45% of these companies are unaware of the impending deadline for Big Switch Off. By the year 2025, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) will be phased out, making way for modern communication technologies. Failing to adopt cloud phone systems in time can lead to more than just the inability to make calls. Alarm systems, lift alarms, and other emergency points of contact that rely on PSTN will become inoperable if not upgraded in time.

While communication providers are aware of the widespread use of PSTN lines, the responsibility to swap out or update the necessary hardware lies with the customers. Taking stock of your company's infrastructure in advance will greatly simplify the IP transformation process.

For small businesses, this may involve investing in new dedicated handsets and having IT personnel familiarize themselves with the phone service dashboard. Larger businesses, on the other hand, may need to retire outdated equipment on a larger scale and develop strategies to leverage new opportunities offered by IP telephony, such as call analytics and customizable hold messages. It is crucial to plan these changes sooner rather than later to avoid a stressful and costly transformation closer to the deadline. Let's dive deeper into what's expected on your end in order to prepare your company for a smooth transition.

Network Readiness

One of the key challenges in adopting IP telephony is ensuring network readiness. IP telephony relies on a stable and robust network infrastructure capable of handling voice traffic. Businesses must assess their network capabilities, including bandwidth, latency, and Quality of Service (QoS), to determine if any upgrades or optimizations are needed. It is best to conduct a thorough network assessment to identify potential bottlenecks and areas for improvement. Businesses should work with network administrators or consult with experts to optimize the network for voice traffic, prioritize voice packets, and ensure sufficient bandwidth allocation.

Security Concerns

The transition to IP telephony introduces new security considerations. Traditional phone systems operate within closed networks, while IP telephony relies on the internet and network connections, making it vulnerable to security threats such as unauthorized access, eavesdropping, and call interception. Telecommunication experts recommend implementing robust security measures to protect IP telephony systems. This includes utilizing encryption protocols, implementing firewalls, regularly updating software and firmware, and educating employees about best practices for secure communication.

Quality of Service (QoS)

Maintaining high-quality voice calls is essential for a successful transition to IP telephony. Factors such as network congestion, latency, or insufficient bandwidth can lead to poor call quality, dropped calls, or delays, negatively impacting business operations and customer experience. Prioritize Quality of Service (QoS) for voice traffic to ensure optimal call quality. It is also recommended to implement Quality of Service mechanisms to prioritize voice packets over other data types, manage bandwidth effectively, and minimize latency or jitter.

Legacy System Integration

Businesses that have invested in legacy phone systems may face challenges when integrating IP telephony. Compatibility issues, outdated infrastructure, and the need to migrate existing phone numbers or extensions can present hurdles in the transition process. The best solution, in this case, would be to work with experienced VoIP service providers or technology consultants to facilitate a smooth integration of IP telephony with legacy systems. Explore options like Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking to enable seamless communication between IP telephony and legacy systems.

Staff Training and Adoption

The successful adoption of IP telephony relies on employee acceptance and proper training. Resistance to change and lack of familiarity with new communication tools can hinder the adoption and realization of the full benefits of IP telephony. To have this issue solved, businesses should invest in comprehensive training programs to familiarize employees with IP telephony features and functionalities. Provide hands-on training and offer ongoing support to address any questions or challenges.

Get Ready for the Big Change!

The adoption of Internet Protocol (IP) telephony is becoming increasingly critical for businesses. Of course, the new solution offers numerous benefits; however, there are also some challenges that organizations must address to successfully transition from traditional phone systems to IP telephony. The clock is ticking for businesses to overcome these challenges and embrace the benefits of IP telephony. Waiting too long to act can result in missed opportunities, increased costs, and falling behind competitors who have already adopted IP telephony solutions.

By proactively addressing network readiness, security concerns, QoS, legacy system integration, and staff training, businesses can ensure a successful transition to IP telephony. Embracing this digital transformation will empower organizations to communicate more efficiently, enhance collaboration, and stay competitive in an increasingly digital world.

In the time remaining before the end of 2025, companies must fully embrace IP telephony as part of their digital transformation. By seeking assistance from BT and other relevant resources, businesses can navigate the switch-off process with confidence. Act now to ensure a successful transition and make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.