As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, older technologies often find themselves being phased out to make way for more efficient and innovative solutions. The UK’s analogue PSTN (Public Switch Telephone Network) and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) will be decommissioned by December 2025, impacting all consumers and businesses who still use a copper phone or broadband service. By 2025, every phone line in the UK will have moved to a digital network that uses Internet Protocol (IP) over a fibre-based service.

Beyond phone services, other analogue-dependent equipment such as alarm systems, cameras, fax machines, door entry systems and EPOS machines will cease functioning unless the hardware is upgraded or moved to a fibre service.

The retirement of ISDN and PSTN is driven by the need for more modern communication services. PSTN was first introduced in 1875 and is expensive and laboursome to maintain, the technology’s aging infrastructure and limitations in meeting modern communication demands have rendered it obsolete. With the national roll out of full fibre broadband, VoIP and other digital communication technologies, ISDN’s reliance on traditional copper lines has become impractical in a world that demands faster speeds, greater reliability and enhanced functionality.

All businesses in the UK will need to future proof their communication services if they are still using copper-based services. An MSP (Managed Service Provider) such as Bluecube can guide you through the options available to ensure you make an informed decision on the best upgrade options for your organisation. While the transition may pose challenges in the short term, the long-term benefits are exciting and promising. By embracing modern communication technologies, businesses can unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and shape a future where connectivity knows no bounds.