Your phone line as you know it is changing
Traditionally the UK phone network ran on PSTN and ISDN phone lines. Allowing voice communication to run directly over these lines. Over the years, your internet service was added to run on these lines as well.
Since the UK had been supplying phones for a very long time – well the telephone was invented here, the system is very old and in need of a big upgrade.
We want faster and faster internet now and so to help reach the UK digital goal in conjunction with Ofcom and the UK Government, the Voice service on our phone lines is disappearing.
If you move into a new build house, or a new business park today, you will no longer get the option for ISDN or a PSTN line. You will be required to have full fibre for your internet connection and then you will need to choose a phone service that runs on your internet that best suits your needs.
The new digital phone solution works by one of two options running over your internet connection
The ISDN Replacement = Cloud Phone System
You can utilise a cloud phone system to run a full function phone system solution for your business. Enjoy features like auto attendant, voicemail and much more than you are used to. It’s not even tied to your business location anymore, so you can work from anywhere! Not only that, but it’s cheaper than ISDN and you get many more lines and a more flexible solution.
The PSTN Replacement = VOIP Router
Add a VOIP phone service to your Internet Router. This allows you to plug your existing phone into your router and continue working as you were before. However, old style extension sockets will no longer work. So you may want to have a portable phone solution with multiple handsets to allow you to have phones in more than one room, or simply use a cloud phone system instead. This option will be more used for the home market place or single line businesses.
Both these options will run over your internet connection, which for ADSL and FTTC customers will be replaced with SOGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access) or you will be able to utilise full fibre solutions if available in your area.
Alarm lines, payment terminals and other special line rental services after 2025
All existing alarm systems, payment terminals will need to be replaced with Internet only versions of these services by 2025, with suppliers already offering easy upgrades to existing infrastructure.
Don’t worry, we are already upgrading
Since 2017, we have been upgrading our customers to utilising the cloud and upgrading their phone infrastructure. We already offer SOGEA installs along with leased lines and full fibre solutions, and you can get yourself an instant onscreen quotation now to find out how much you can save with the latest technology.
PSTN & ISDN switch off FAQ
Can I have IDSN lines installed?
No, from September 2023 you will no longer be able to purchase any additional ISDN phone lines. Between April and December 2025, there will be a forced migration period before they switch them off. But don’t worry, there are lots of new options.
Is VOIP Cheaper than a landline?
Yes, VoIP is cheaper than a landline telephone. This is because VoIP uses your existing broadband connected, rather than a dedicated telephone line. Because it uses the internet, VoIP can eliminate call charges and line rental, making it a considerable cheaper alternative to traditional land lines.
Is there any downtime?
SOGEA upgrades do not cause any downtime. When moving your ISDN lines numbers, there may be a short amount of downtime on your porting day as your numbers are removed from the ISDN system.
Can I upgrade today or do I need to wait?
You can enjoy this latest technology now, there is no need to wait until 2025! If you are stuck in a contract, why not just get a quote now and then you are ready to move at the end of your contract.
Written on 2021-12-03 by Juliet Moran
