From old lines to online: How the switch off makes you better connected

Ok, hands up. Who’s heard about the copper telephone network switch off?

We hope that’s all of you, but we’ve also heard plenty of reports suggesting that a good number of users still aren’t aware that the old PSTN network is now just over 12 months away from being switched off for good.

PSTN stands for Public Switched Telephone Network, by the way. That’s the official terminology for the copper connections that have powered our phone and internet services for years.

12 months, you say?

Yes, you heard that right. In fact, the PSTN switch off was originally due to happen much sooner. December 2025 in fact. Openreach delayed that date to allow more time for vulnerable users and unusual setups to be accommodated. But the end is still nigh.

Everything’s now planned to be switched off in January 2027. But it’s already nigh on impossible to get a new service using the old network, and repairs and upgrades will be the next to go.

So what about my business broadband?

If you’ve not already made the switch to a modern full fibre, SoGEA or leased line connection, you’ll need to very soon. If you’re on one of these services, the switch off will pass you by like any other day. But if you’re not, well, imagine being suddenly and permanently without the internet. And imagine what that might do to your business.

Most addresses can now get a full fibre or SoGEA broadband connection. And if you’re in one of the very few locations that can’t, you’ll find that a new type of connection – SoTAP (or Single Order Transitional Access Product) – is available to tide you over until something better is available. SoTAP uses the same infrastructure as old ADSL broadband connections, so you’ll get decent performance, but nothing compared to fibre or leased line broadband.

If you’re not already enjoying one of these modern connections and would like to discuss your options, contact us.

Why’s the switch off happening, and why is it so great anyway?

The first why is easy. It’s hard to believe, but the old copper telephone network has been with us in some form or another for more than a century. That doesn’t just outdate broadband, it’s also older than aeroplanes, cars and even the radio.

In other words, it’s hard to maintain, and is long overdue an upgrade. Which comes to the second why.

Because newer connections make use of fibre optic cables, you’re guaranteed a much faster and more reliable connection. And for businesses especially, that’s nothing but good news.

Imagine cloud applications, file backups, video calls, and everything else you might need for your business happening smoothly, quickly and more reliably. That’s the benefit of modern full fibre, SoGEA and leased line connections. You’ll be able to work smarter, collaborate more easily and flexibly, and it’s even better for the environment.

And my phone?

It’s going to be pretty hard to make and receive phone calls without a phone line, right?

Well, we’re glad you asked. Because the answer is actually no, not hard at all.

In fact, in many ways, you can enjoy improved performance with a service like CloudComms. It’s practically infinitely scalable, from a single line to thousands, and it comes with a host of additional features – either included or optional – to help turn your business into a fully-fledged contact centre.

And the great news is that when you migrate your phone to a service like CloudComms, you can bring your number with you too!

Have you made the switch?

So that’s all there is to it.

The switch off is happening – very soon. If you’re already prepared, then you don’t need to do anything. The whole thing will just pass by nice and smoothly.

But if you’re not already prepared, now is the time to act. And delays at this stage could mean lots of stress and even lost connections. If you’re not already enjoying modern business broadband and phone, get in touch.