PSTN Switch-Off: Industry Insights and Next Steps
PSTN Switch-Off: Industry Insights and Next Steps
Time to read
5 minutes
Author
Martin White
All-IP Product Manager
Date published
January 2025
The UK’s transition away from PSTN services is now just two years away, and the industry is ramping up efforts to ensure businesses are fully prepared. Recently, Comms Business Magazine invited Giacom to contribute to their feature on the upcoming PSTN shutdown, exploring the progress made, the available upgrade options, and what still needs to happen ahead of January 2027. Below, we share our unabridged insights from Martin White, All-IP Product Manager for Giacom and FCS Co-Chair.
What progress has been made in preparing for the digital switchover?
The journey towards the 2027 PSTN shutdown has seen significant industry-wide efforts. The Steering Groups led by the Office of the Telecommunications Adjudicator (OTA) and Openreach have been instrumental in driving awareness and progress towards the transition to All-IP solutions. Additionally, the Telecare Advisory Board (TAB) and the Fire & Alarm Security board, both of which Giacom is actively involved in, are working to address the specific needs of sectors that rely heavily on traditional telephony, such as healthcare, security, and critical services.
Despite these advancements, much remains to be done. The complexity of migrating all users in the UK, especially those relying on legacy equipment or hard to reach areas, highlights the need for continued investment, industry collaboration, and customer education.
What options are available to businesses needing to upgrade their lines?
Businesses have several options to ensure a smooth transition. The primary alternatives for connectivity include fibre-based solutions such as FTTP (Fibre to the Premises), SOGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access), and SOADSL, as well as Ethernet connections, which provide robust, future-proofed digital infrastructure for both SMBs and large enterprises. These options enable businesses to move away from legacy copper lines, meeting the demands of modern data and connectivity requirements.
For those who still require voice services, hosted voice solutions are widely available and adaptable. For smaller businesses and scenarios with specific needs such as lift emergency lines, alarms, or door entry systems, lightweight, internet-based voice services can offer flexibility without extensive infrastructure overhaul.
Additionally, IoT connectivity via mobile networks and cloud-based solutions offer further support for businesses looking to integrate digital, connected services across their operations. Together, these options provide a flexible pathway for businesses to ensure their communications remain uninterrupted and are well-positioned for future growth in an all-digital environment.
Has the deadline extension (from December 2025 to January 2027) made a difference?
The extension has given businesses and providers more time to complete the digital switchover. However, since the announcement, transformation efforts have somewhat slowed. Nevertheless, for those who can, migrating to an All-IP solution sooner rather than later remains advantageous. Early adopters can avoid potential bottlenecks in engineering resources closer to the deadline and sidestep possible increases in pricing for legacy services.
For locations where FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) isn’t yet available, transitioning to single-order solutions like SOGEA or SOADSL is still beneficial. While FTTP is ultimately the end goal, SOGEA and SOADSL provide a reliable step forward towards an All-IP setup, ensuring smoother transitions and continuity for businesses.
The extension has been especially helpful for organisations with vulnerable customers or niche requirements, offering more time to identify appropriate solutions without compromising customer safety or service reliability. At Giacom, we’re working with our partners to build solutions for any edge cases, ensuring their clients are prepared well in advance so they can be easily migrated to an All-IP Solution. For those able to migrate today, it’s wise to do so and stay ahead of the transition curve.
Does the Channel need any additional support?
The complexities of the supply chain can make it challenging to ensure that critical information reaches end users effectively. Additional support for the channel could help clarify the rules surrounding the Great Switch Off, providing details about which exchanges will be impacted and when, as well as providing insights into available All-IP products and migration options.
For instance, Giacom’s All-IP Partner Pack is designed to help the channel understand the essentials of the switchover. It offers clear information on the transition rules, affected exchanges, and an overview of All-IP products, serving as a useful guide not only for partners but also for the wider channel. By developing resources like these, vendors and providers can empower resellers to communicate effectively with end users, ensuring that all parties are well-prepared and informed about the changes ahead.
What else needs to be done to make the most of the next two years?
To further support the Channel as a whole, a nationwide campaign similar to the one that supported the transition from analogue to digital television could be highly beneficial. Such an initiative would help raise awareness across the nation, ensuring that everyone understands the shift to All-IP and encourages individuals and businesses to liaise with their communications providers for support.
A unified, government-backed resource would be especially useful, providing a trusted point of reference for end users. This could help alleviate concerns about potential scam communications and make it clear that the digital switchover is an essential, legitimate process. The more collective conversation and coordination around this transition, the smoother it will be for everyone involved.