What is the BT Digital Switch-off?
BT is moving all our customers from the old analogue public switched telephone network (PSTN) to a fully digital network. They have already started! They plan to move everyone over before Openreach stop the PSTN (and ISDN) service in 2025. By then, every phone in the UK will need to run over the internet called VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) rather than the traditional PSTN. BT is calling this process “The Digital Switch-off”.
Why is BT doing this?
PSTN lines have been used to run internet and phone system for decades. They are run under the ground, which makes them expensive to upgrade and repair. The plan is to move to new technology that does not require a PSTN line with the aim to improve performance and reliability.
When is The Digital Switch-off happening?
PSTN lines are being phased out in 2023 and eventually stop being supported in 2025.
How will The Digital Switch-off affect you?
There are two main ways your organisation can be affected:
Phone systems – If you are using a traditional phone system that runs over the PSTN lines you will need to move to a VoIP system. Our recommendation is to do this sooner rather than later. It is expected that prices for VoIP systems will go up as demand increases closer to the key switch-off dates.
Moving to VoIP will have no negative impact on your charity as you will be able to keep your phone numbers, in fact, you may have access to additional features that you did not have before including welcome messages, auto-direct calls and mobile apps which are great for remote and community working.
Broadband – ADSL or fibre broadband run over a PSTN line, which means that if your charity uses either of these services you will need to move to either SoGEA (the new version of Fibre), FTTP or a leased line.
What happens after The Digital Switch-off?
If there are any issues with your PSTN lines after the switch-off, they will not be repaired. This can have a major impact on your charity, firstly in the operations as both broadband and calls could decrease in performance or stop altogether. Secondly, if you are in a contract past this date, you may be held to it even if your service is negatively affected. You may then be forced to take out a second service.
Our recommendations
The sooner you can prepare your charity for the Digital Switch-off, the less of an effect it will have and cheaper it will be. Currently, VoIP phone systems are highly competitive as awareness and demand for the service is still relatively low, as a result, we recommend finding a VoIP service that is right for you and lock-in the price for as long as you feel comfortable (beyond the 2025 cut off).
As demand increases, installation turnaround is also expected to increase, we recommend switching before there are issues with your current service and using your next renewal date as an opportunity to future proof your charity. For expert advice and access to exclusive charity tariffs, speak to our VoIP and broadband teams today.