The traditional telephone network is being retired. Here’s a plain-English guide to what the PSTN switch-off means and how it affects the way your business makes voice calls.
What is PSTN and why is it being switched off?
PSTN stands for Public Switched Telephone Network. It refers to the traditional telephone infrastructure that we know as landlines, used for voice communication.
The use of landlines has been in steep decline. As we all move to alternatives like mobiles, internet apps and video conferencing, it is no longer economical to keep the old network running, so it is being retired.
New PSTN landlines have not been installed for a number of years, and the network is now being switched off in phases geographically, with the final switch-off at the start of 2027.
So what does this mean for making ‘voice’ calls?
For those who don’t want to rely on mobiles and other internet apps, there will be options. You can either replace your line with an internet-based alternative that works just like a landline phone, or use a ‘converter box’ that lets traditional phones plug in and make calls over the internet.
The switch-off isn’t something to fear – with the right advice, moving to a modern alternative can be simple, and often cheaper and more flexible than the line you have today.
We help businesses understand exactly what the switch-off means for them, weigh up the options and make the move without the jargon or the stress.