PSTN: The Public Switched Telephone Network which is also known as “landlines’, Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) or fixed-line telephones, is a system which has been used since the late 1800s. It uses underground cables that carry analogue voice data – but this is all about to change.
This public switch network is still widely used, however, with advances in technology, it’s fallen into decline. As a result, the corporation that maintains the telephone network, Openreach announced in November 2017 that copper-based telephony lines – which include PSTN, are getting phased out and will become completely obsolete by the end of December 2025.
Other affected lines, such as Integrated Services Digital Network (IDSN) lines and Wholesale Line Rental, will also be impacted. So by the end of 2025, analogue lines will cease operating entirely.
The end of the PSTN service is being “marketed” as “The big switch off” and is part of a nationwide campaign to raise awareness.
What does the Big switch-off mean for you?
All products that use voice-based telephony services will need to be replaced, which means many of our essential technology devices will be impacted. So anything that relies on an analogue phone line, such as emergency alarms in lifts, panic alarms, information displays, traffic lights, and point-of-sale payment terminals will need to be upgraded to digital connectivity before time runs out.
It’s not too late to switch but time is of the essence, Openreach has alerted that 12 months prior to the switch off customers will be alerted by their telecommunications provider of the change. But, installations of new technology and devices can be timely, so it’s highly recommended to stay ahead of the game and look to upgrade before it’s too late and you’re left with assets that can’t be used or aren’t functioning fully.
Make sure you’ve allowed yourself enough time to implement and install new technology so the switch-off doesn’t affect business operations.
Is your lift ready for the switchover?
As standard, all lifts in the UK are required to have an emergency alarm that’s connected via a telephone to a rescue team. With the digital switchover on the horizon, lift owners are now forced to transition their emergency alarms from analogue to digital alternatives. And to do so with enough time to transition and choose the right solution so their lifts remain compliant and their passengers are safe.
How to make the transition
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a solution that transmits voice calls and data using an internet connection. This will provide a reliable and cost-effective solution for most existing lifts, without the need for a physical phone line.
With that, it’s vital to ensure you have a trusted managed SIM service that provides a hassle-free and cost-friendly solution. Prepaid SIMs can run out of credit, expire or accidentally get turned off and in most cases these go unnoticed until a real emergency occurs, leaving your passengers in danger.
GeoSIM’s Global M2M SIM card makes connecting your devices quick and simple. There are no complex settings, configurations, policies, usage or compulsory monthly payment plans. Our SIM cards are pay-as-you-go, meaning you’ll only ever pay for what you use and they won’t run out of credit.
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