ISDN PSTN switch off

What is the 2025 PSTN / ISDN Switch off?

In 2015, BT declared their intention to fully discontinue ISDN and PSTN services by 2025. Both these technologies are deemed insufficient in delivering the necessary volume and quality of voice data in our progressively digital landscape. The future of voice calls is shifting towards internet-based communication, commonly known as VoIP

(Voice over Internet Protocol). VoIP harnesses modern technologies, including fiber optic connectivity, to ensure enhanced communication capabilities.

What is PSTN?

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) denotes a telecommunications network enabling subscribers at diverse locations to communicate via voice. Originating in the 1800s, PSTN facilitates the transmission of information through a network of copper wires. Over the years, businesses have relied on PSTN as their primary means for transmitting phone calls and fax communications.

What is ISDN?

Integrated Services Digital Network, represents a set of communication standards employing digital transmission for phone calls, video calls, data transmission, and various network services. Operating over the circuits of the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), ISDN was introduced in the UK by BT in 1986. It ushered in a transition from old analogue landlines to digital lines, incorporating features that were previously unavailable with traditional telephone systems.

Why is ISDN being switched off?

Despite improvements since its inception in 1986, ISDN’s network structure has seen limited evolution, rendering it somewhat outdated. The broadband internet’s significantly faster and elevated connection speeds surpass those of ISDN. In essence, ISDN can no longer keep pace with modern communication demands. Additionally, traditional ISDN lines lack flexibility, tethering businesses to fixed locations. As the contemporary business landscape embraces scalable and adaptable cloud-based systems, IP technology emerges as a superior choice to meet evolving needs, especially in facilitating remote work.

In 2015, BT made a strategic decision that further improvements to the ISDN network were no longer financially viable. This choice allows BT to allocate resources to modern technologies like VoIP, concentrating on building services for the future and effectively meeting the burgeoning demands of businesses.