Make sure that your business is ready for the UK’s PSTN/ISDN switch-off in December 2025!
At BNA Group we strongly advocate for researching before committing, and if you find yourself at a bit of a loss going through this article, do give us a call, as we offer 1 hour of free, no-obligation, over-the-phone support to businesses that are based in Essex or Suffolk.
Internet Connectivity
With so many businesses nowadays using FTTP, you may think that your business is protected from this shut-off, but you don’t want to get caught in this mindset. Be sure to double check with your Internet Service Provider/IT Department.
On 8th August 2023, Openreach announced that businesses will be able to continue placing WLR, ADSL or FTTC (MPF Only) orders in locations where there is no FTTP or SOGEA available, up until 28th March 2024.
As the FTTP footprint continues to expand across the nation, Openreach will continue announcing when these areas have been FTTP-enabled following the Nationwide Stop Sell. This will further restrict copper-based connectivity solutions such as SOGEA, FTTC and ADSL.
Please note that, should a premise have FTTP enabled, then any FTTC or ADSL broadband orders will be likely be rejected by Openreach following their announcement on the 8th August.
Analogue Phone Lines
You’d be surprised how deeply embedded analogue phone lines are within a business – have you checked yours?
Door entry systems and Alarms
Payment terminals
Fax machines
Desk phones
These are just a few examples of where they’re most commonly used. If you find that you’re using any analogue phone lines, you will need to consider converting over to a digital alternative. This can be a painless process so it’s best to get ahead of the curve and make sure you move before the 2025 switch-off.
Not all doom and gloom!
The change brought about by the ISDN switch-off doesn’t need to be alarming. In fact, it is going to be a good thing for your business. There is a good reason why BT have chosen to eliminate ISDN from its service structure. The technology is old, outdated and it isn’t cost-effective or efficient for businesses to keep operating this way in the modern day. Being forced to update your technology can help you discover more powerful alternatives.
What to do now?
As mentioned above, technology has come a long way and we now have a range of powerful digital platforms that can truly elevate your business. If you do have any ‘analogue’ services, then below are a few suggestions that are worth considering. We still recommend doing your own research, yet it certainly gives you a starting point!
Analogue Phones
Did you know that you can make and receive landline/mobile calls directly through Microsoft Teams? This means that you can stay connected to your business either through the app on your laptop/desktop or through the app on your mobile phone.
Analogue Payment Terminals
If you are still using a landline to receive payments from your customers, we suggest reaching out to the company that provided the device. Most offer Digital alternatives that can connect directly to your existing IT Infrastructure.
Fax Machines
Does your business still need to send/receive Faxes? If so, there is a wide range of online Fax Services that will assist with the transition!
Door Entry Systems/Alarms
Similarly to analogue payment terminals, we recommend that you get in touch with your security company to ensure that your doors are connected to your IT Infrastructure or are using a network connection that isn’t impacted by the ISDN/PSTN switch-off. Although we at BNA Group don’t support Door Entry/Alarms, we work closely with a company that can help make sure that you’re ready for the switch-off.
We understand how daunting it is, no one likes being forced to make changes to a fundamental system, that’s why we are here to help if you need it.
Bottom line is, if you find that on a line of your ISP bill you see PSTN, SOGEA, ADSL or FTTC, it’s time to find out what using this within your business.
Don’t get caught out by the December 2025 switch-off, make sure that your business is ready!
BT Article: The PSTN and ISDN switch-off: what it means for you | BT Business
Teams Telephony: BNA Group | Microsoft Teams Telephony
