Given how digital our world has become, it can be easy to forget that our communication network was once fully analogue and wired. However, while we may use digital communications in many areas of our lives, there may be some legacy analogue systems still in use at your business.
While it can be tempting to think that as they still work, there’s no need to replace them, there is now a need to make the shift to a fully digital infrastructure. This is because in a little over one year, all analogue services will be switched off by providers.
What is the digital switchover?
The digital switchover means that landline phones, which are currently supported by the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) will no longer work after January 2027.
This is because the providers that currently use the PSTN are changing over to completely digital services and are retiring the legacy network. If you don’t have a landline in your business, you might think that this won’t affect you, but the PSTN doesn’t only support phone lines.
In fact, the PSTN also supports alarm systems, telecare devices like fall alarms, lifts, CCTV, door entry systems and even cash machines. So, it’s not as simple as assuming you won’t be affected if you don’t have a landline.
What is replacing analogue landlines?
Voice over internet protocol (VoIP), digital voice or all-IP telephony are the main forms of technology replacing landlines. In many areas, this switch has already happened as the various telecoms companies that operate in the UK have been upgrading their phone lines to digital ones that run via the internet for a number of years.
Of course, many of us rely solely on mobile phones in this day and age. However, it’s also important to note that the 2G and 3G phone networks are being retired as part of this process too, so you will need to ensure you have a 4G or 5G connection for your devices as well.
What do I need to do to prepare for the digital switchover?
The obvious place to start as a business is to assess all of your services and work out which, if any, run on the existing PSTN. Once you know which elements in your business will be affected by the switchover, you can make a plan to transition to alternative options.
In terms of the phone lines, this will happen automatically and your provider will give you four weeks’ notice of the switch. In many cases, you will simply need to plug your landline phone into your broadband router, rather than into the phone socket in the wall.
This could also be an excellent time to explore business utility switching to ensure you are receiving the best possible deal for your broadband and phone services. Explore the market and see what other providers are offering – our switching service can help you find the best match for your business.
What about other technology that’s affected by the digital switchover?
There are a few other pieces of technology that could be affected by the digital switchover. For example, all lifts in the UK are required to have a two-way means of communication. In some cases, this is provided via the PSTN network,
In these cases, the lift auto-dialler will need to be replaced by a Global System for Mobiles (GSM) device. This will ensure passengers can still call for help if needed without relying on a landline connection to do so.
Alarm systems, access control systems and even CCTV have, in the past, been connected to the PSTN network. This enables an alarm to contact the police or fire brigade automatically, for instance.
With the switchover, any such systems that are connected to the PSTN network will need to be upgraded to a digital solution that ensures continuity of service.
The other devices that are affected are telecare devices, such as personal alarms or fall alarms. Often, these are connected to an individual’s landline so that a call is made should they be pressed.
New devices that are compatible with the new digital network are being provided to those in need. However, they need to notify their phone company that they use this kind of device to ensure they are given support to make the switch.
If you operate care homes or assisted living facilities, this is certainly an area to investigate to ensure that all of your residents remain supported and know how to use their new devices ahead of the final switchover in 2027.
