What is the PSTN? The PSTN is the traditional analogue voice telephone system.It’s been the bac...
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Housing providers and local authorities in the UK must take the PSTN switch off seriously as it marks a pivotal shift in communication infrastructure.
The transition from analogue to digital affects vital services, such as emergency call systems, door entry, and lift lines. If not addressed proactively, residents could face disruptions, and providers may encounter increased costs and potential liability.
Embracing the digital transition ensures continuity of service, enhances residents' safety, and showcases a housing provider's or local authorities' commitment to staying abreast of technological advancements.
The PSTN, or Public Switched Telephone Network, is the traditional analogue voice telephone system. It's been the backbone of the UK's communication infrastructure for many decades, enabling voice calls over copper telephone lines.
The technology behind PSTN is ageing, and maintaining it is becoming increasingly costly and inefficient.
Digital technologies, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and fibre broadband, offer more flexibility, better voice quality, and other services that traditional lines can't support.
Moving to a fully digital infrastructure makes it easier for telecom providers to offer a broader range of services and ensures that the network is future-proofed.
Openreach, which manages much of the UK's telephone infrastructure, announced plans to retire the PSTN and its associated Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) by 2025.
This means that from this date, all voice services will need to run over alternative digital infrastructures.
Residents will need to switch to newer, digital-first services. Most consumers will transition to VoIP services or similar alternatives.
Housing Providers will need to assess their current telephone systems. This is where Social Telecoms can begin to help. Many providers still rely on ISDN for their voice services, and these will need to be replaced or upgraded to IP-based solutions.
Broadband becomes essential as voice services move to digital platforms, so a reliable broadband connection is vital.
Improved Voice Quality: Digital voice services often provide clearer and more reliable voice quality.
Flexibility and Features: Digital services can offer features like voicemail-to-email, video calling, and more.
Cost-Efficiency: Digital services can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially for businesses that make a lot of international calls.
Preparation: Both residential customers and businesses need to be aware of the change and make the necessary preparations.
Infrastructure: Some areas might require upgrades in infrastructure to support the new digital services, especially in remote or rural areas.
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- Lot 2
As the 2025 deadline for the UK's PSTN switch-off looms, housing providers and local authorities find themselves at a pivotal juncture. The transition from analogue to digital is not merely a technological mandate; it's a strategic move towards modernisation. The journey ahead requires meticulous planning, foresight, and a proactive approach. Below are essential steps that housing providers and local authorities should embark upon, ensuring not only a smooth transition but also harnessing the myriad opportunities that digital transformation promises.