With the switch-off of the public switched telephone network (PSTN) delayed to January 2027, some businesses may feel they’ve been given a reprieve. But the evidence is very much to the contrary.
The delay is designed to give customers more time to plan and partners more time to advise them. But the pause is also a sign that many businesses were not in a position to deal with the switch-off and had no plans in place for the migration to digital alternatives.
On a positive front, it seems industry is waking up to the need to switch. Recent industry research by Zen indicates that almost all of business leaders (97 per cent of those asked) say they’re aware that PSTN and ISDN products will be disappearing soon.
The not so good news is that the increased awareness hasn’t spurred more businesses to actually do anything about it. A third of those businesses in Zen’s research admitted they’re still using ISDN, with just one in five saying they have an alternative solution ready.
Further research by cloud services provider M247, found a vast majority of businesses (88 per cent) still had analogue services reliant on the PSTN network. A third (33 per cent) of those have over 100 devices connected. M247 also found that most businesses expect it to take at least six months to migrate away from PSTN services.
Removing barriers
It’s clear that many businesses recognise the potential of new digital services, but they often face barriers such as cost, security concerns, legacy infrastructure and a lack of expertise, which can make the switch a slower process than expected.
To address these challenges, businesses need clear transition strategies, robust support systems, and evidence of ROI to overcome reluctance. The 13-month extension of the PSTN switch-off to January 2027 gives businesses more time to prepare, plan and migrate to digital alternatives.
That’s why Openreach is supporting Comms Business’ Fit To Switch campaign. This all-industry campaign is helping to bring the switch-off to national attention whilst also helping to provide solutions to the impact it will have on businesses.
Towards the future
But what steps does a reseller need to take to move to all-IP and help nudge their own customer based towards a digital future? If you buy directly from Openreach and don’t have your own Openreach ‘LLU/Access Locate Network’ you’ll need to decide who you are going to buy through. You will have broadband and minute providers today and that would be the best place to start if you have not been proactively engaged by them to date.
Most of the larger players in the Channel will now be either working closely with Openreach or their wholesaler to be able to support ‘washes’ of resellers bases so they can understand what connectivity assets they have and which of those can move to either FTTP or SOGEA.
Rationalising your base
Another important consideration is rationalising your base – and asking the question ‘do you still use everything you have in the ground?’ There’s a good chance that, when you open the curtain on your WLR base, some of what you are billing your end users for will be stuff they no longer need.
Trimming the fat here will allow you to make cost savings and ease the pressure of change on your customers.
Future proof connectivity
It’s not just networks that are evolving – the way we work is also changing. In today’s digital, hybrid workplaces, those who have moved away from the PSTN are already enjoying stronger, more resilient connectivity.
They also benefit from lower costs, through having connectivity and cloud all with one provider, and better remote collaboration through unified communications.
Now is the time for migrations to future proof connectivity, don’t leave it until the last minute.
This article was included in our November 2024 print issue. You can read the magazine in full here.