The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch off dates are anticipated to take place by December 2025 in the UK, where existing landline services will be upgraded to digital technology. However, the BT Group announced earlier this year that it would delay PSTN switch off dates for its customers until the end of January 2027, demonstrating how telecommunication providers are responding differently to a significant shift in communications infrastructure.
PSTN: what to know
The PSTN has been integral to global voice communications for decades, but in 2017 the telecommunications industry announced that it would retire analogue technology including PSTN by the end of 2025.
The ageing infrastructure of analogue networks have become increasingly costly for providers to maintain including the expense involved in sourcing parts or repairing the network. Digital networks will replace analogue, using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems and mobile networks, to give consumers and businesses clear and better quality phone calls.
The switch off will require analogue phone services to be migrated over to these digital platforms.
Challenges in switching to digital
Many IoT devices, particularly those that are legacy, rely on PSTN for their connectivity, especially those deployed in remote or rural areas where alternative methods of being connected are limited. The switch off has the potential to disrupt these devices from operating smoothly, impacting on key devices such as monitoring systems and alarms.
Some devices are also not compatible with digital networks and may require significant modifications or replacements in order to operate properly after the switch off has taken place.
Migrating devices over to new networks will likely incur costs, particularly for large-scale IoT deployments. The work could involve upgrading or replacing incompatible devices; installing new infrastructure; and training employees to manage new systems.
Strategies for preparing for the switch off
The first step in preparing for the PSTN switch off dates is to conduct a thorough audit of existing IoT devices and infrastructure and identify which devices rely on PSTN and assess their compatibility with digital alternatives. This audit will provide a clear understanding of the scope of the transition and help businesses to prioritise their actions.
Where possible, upgrade existing IoT devices to support digital connectivity. In scenarios where upgrades are not feasible, plan for the replacement of these devices with modern equivalents that are compatible with VoIP or mobile networks. Ensure that any new devices are future-proof, and capable of supporting emerging technologies such as 5G.
During the transition period, consider implementing hybrid connectivity solutions that combine PSTN with digital networks. This approach can provide a smoother transition by gradually shifting IoT devices to digital platforms while maintaining operational continuity.
As IoT devices transition to digital networks, make sure to enhance security protocols to protect against cyber threats. This includes using encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits. Additionally, consider deploying network segmentation to isolate IoT devices from other critical systems, to reduce the risk of widespread disruption in case a breach occurs.
Ultimately, developing a robust continuity plan to mitigate potential disruptions during the switch off is key. This should include backup connectivity options and regular testing of new systems. Technology is continually evolving and fast moving, and future-proofing will help businesses to mitigate the impact when something such as the PSTN switch off takes place.
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