What Will Happen When The PSTN Is Switched Off?
Once the PSTN is completely switched off in 2025, all businesses and residential customers will need to have new solutions in place. These need to include an internet-based phone system, a full fibre broadband connection, and the right provider to ensure all existing numbers are ported correctly.
What is an internet-based phone system?
Internet-based phone systems are sometimes referred to as Voice over Internet Protocol, or simply, VoIP. VoIP solutions transfer voice and data over the internet, rather than copper wires. These solutions have been around for many years and provide more flexibility as they can be used on a variety of devices, from desk phones, mobiles and computers.
What connectivity options are available for businesses?
You have two options here: FTTP and SoGEA:
- FTTP stands for Fibre To The Premises. This means that your broadband services are provided via super-fast fibre optic cable infrastructure for the entire journey between the exchange and the premise. FTTP delivers broadband speeds far higher and more reliably than a SoGEA connection irrespective of the cable run distance. However, this service is not as widely available.
- SoGEA stands for Single Order Generic Ethernet Access. With SoGEA, a traditional phone line installation is no longer required, which means you now only need to place one broadband order for your service at a lower cost. With speeds of up to 80Mbps downstream, and up to 20Mbps upstream, this is a perfect solution for small businesses, and is priced accordingly.
While SoGEA is available everywhere, FTTP is only available where the full fibre infrastructure currently exists. This is increasing all the time as the rollout of the UK All-IP fibre network continues at pace.