Back in 2017, BT announced its intentions to switch off its PSTN and ISDN lines (Public Switched Telephone Network & Integrated Service Digital Network) in favour of Internet Protocol (IP) voice servers. This transition was set to begin in 2020, with the complete closure of the networks to finish in 2025.
With an estimated 2 million businesses set to be affected by the switch off, along with countless homes throughout the UK, countless are still unaware of the change and unprepared for what's next…
What does this mean for Phones and Broadband?
With many traditional phone systems and internet routers making use of the PSTN and ISDN networks, millions will need to seek an alternative ahead of the switch off or face becoming disconnected entirely.
What are the alternatives?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology is, quite simply, a traditional phone without the outdated copper wire. Instead, it is hosted on the cloud, and converts your voice into a digital signal, allowing you to make VoIP calls via your internet connection. This means you don’t have to be at your desk to take phone calls, but can take them through your computer or mobile instead.
BT Openreach is now delivering a single-order version of Fibre Broadband called SoGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access). SoGEA is provided without the voice element of a traditional copper phone line, and all broadband services will need to be transferred to SoGEA by the end of 2025 in line with the PSTN switch-off. Available from Gemini, SoGEA is often cheaper than traditional broadband solutions as there is no ‘line rental’ element supplied/required with the service and transferring to this new product is a simple process. If you need to keep the associated telephone number from the old line we have solutions to help.
Looking to future-proof your business or upgrade your home? At Gemini, we can strengthen your connection with SoGEA Broadband and provide you with access to communications to shout about with the latest VoIP Telephone Systems and the industry-leading Wildix communications platform. Learn more.