Openreach announced its plan to discontinue the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) by December 2025.
The ISDN switch off is a process of phasing out the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) technologies, which have been the backbone of voice and data transmission over telephone lines since the 1980s. This change is driven by advancements in technology, such as fibre optic and 5G networks, which are more efficient, reliable and cost-effective.
The ISDN switch off will have a significant impact on businesses, as ISDN and PSTN support services including alarm systems, gate entry systems, lift lines and CCTV, as well as landlines and business-wide telephone systems. As the network will no longer be maintained, businesses still using these services will be at risk of disruption, downtime and loss of data.
While the network will not be shut down overnight, once the network breaks or experiences a point of failure, businesses will be left vulnerable without any protection from Service Level Agreements (SLAs). This could have severe consequences, particularly for businesses that rely heavily on voice and data communications.
To mitigate this risk and future-proof their business, it is essential for businesses to review their current services and transition to alternative solutions such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking or other internet-based services. These solutions are not only more cost-effective but also offer greater flexibility, scalability and security, allowing businesses to keep pace with the ever-changing demands of the modern workplace.
In summary, the ISDN switch off is a crucial development that businesses need to be aware of and take proactive steps to transition to newer, more efficient and reliable technologies to prevent disruption and safeguard their future operations.
What do businesses need to do to prepare?
To prepare for the ISDN and PSTN switch-off, businesses should follow three essential steps. Firstly, review current business needs and determine which services rely on PSTN or ISDN. Next, explore alternative cloud solutions that can deliver better results, such as VoIP or fibre broadband. Finally, discuss the situation with a solutions partner to connect business demands and solutions available. Opus can help businesses prepare by understanding their current setup, future strategy, and recommending the best course of action to scale up or down. By taking the time to review business demands and explore solutions, businesses can prepare for the switch-off before the deadline and ensure continued success.
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