What is the PSTN Switch-Off?
You may have heard (or not) of the PSTN Switch-Off which is scheduled to happen on 31st January 2027. The change will affect millions of homes and businesses across the UK. If you still use a traditional landline, broadband connection or services that rely on a telephone line, it is worth understanding what is happening and what it means for you.
What services could be affected?
The PSTN Switch-Off basically means turning off the analogue services of the telephone network, making them digital only. Traditional analogue telephone services will stop working and will be replaced by digital voice services delivered over an internet connection. Services that use an analogue phone line will also stop working, which includes ISDN, fax machines, burglar alarms, and even medical devices.
What about broadband?
Your current phone and internet provider should be in contact with you to migrate you to a VoIP service and maybe provide a device to put between your phone and phone socket to convert voice to a digital signal. If you have ADSL or FTTC, you will be migrated to a digital only service, which could very well be basically the same thing but without the analogue service and get no real benefit e.g. SoADSL or SoGEA.
Today, access to the internet is virtually essential. In the home, streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and NowTV are increasingly popular. There are even suggestions that television networks such as the BBC could eventually become online-only services and require a good internet connection.
Ideally, you want a full fibre connection, sometimes referred to as FTTH (Fibre To The Home) or FTTP (Fibre To The Premises). If you currently have ADSL or FTTC, even the lowest full fibre packages will be significantly faster.
Can I get full fibre in Eastbourne?
In Eastbourne, there are three main full fibre providers – and you will have seen their vans all over town, digging up pavements and roads installing fibre optic cables: BT Openreach, Lightning Fibre, and CityFibre. You may come across some other providers e.g. TalkTalk who use the BT Openreach network. In some places you may have a choice, in others you might not. If you are a business, you cannot go to CityFibre directly – you have to use one of their partners. On the plus side, Lightning Fibre is actually based in Eastbourne and have sponsored events in the town.
If you cannot get full fibre, you may want to consider a 5G mobile router – these use the mobile phone network. In some areas you can get a very good signal which could meet your needs. The main providers use different networks and have different coverage, so use the coverage checkers on their websites. You can get external aerials for mobile routers so that you can get better coverage.
Do I still need a landline?
As for the phone number, if you have a mobile, then do you really need to have one? If the answer is yes, then you really do need to act now if you want to keep the same one. If you want to keep your existing number, don’t leave it until the last minute. Moving a number from one provider to another usually takes a few weeks, but delays can occur if there are problems with the transfer process.
What happens during a power cut?
Traditional landlines often continued working during power cuts because power was supplied over the telephone network. With digital voice services, your phone may stop working during a power cut unless backup arrangements are in place.
On the other hand, digital systems can offer greater flexibility. Depending on your provider and equipment, calls can often be diverted to another number or answered on a mobile phone using an app.
What should I do now?
Your first step is to get a good reliable internet connection. Then sort out the phone system side – and that is the bit that takes the time and there isn’t much time left before the PSTN Switch-Off.
What should I do next?
- Check what broadband services are available at your address.
- Consider whether you still need a landline number.
- If you want to keep your number, start planning now.
- Check whether you have alarms, medical devices or other equipment connected to the phone line.
- Speak to your provider if you are unsure what services you currently use.
Need help understanding your options?
If you’re unsure how the PSTN Switch-Off affects your home or business, get in touch and I’ll be happy to discuss the options available.