‘The Big Switch Off'

You may have heard of various campaigns around ‘The Big Switch Off' and wondered what it was.

Well, our band of IT geeks have broken it down for you.

What is ‘The Big Switch Off'?

In a nutshell - The Big Switch Off is the move from analogue to digital phone lines.

‘The Big Switch Off' refers to the existing phone lines being replaced with a new digital version. A move being carried out by BT.

This is also known as the ‘PSTN switch off'.

‘PSTN’ refers to ‘Public Switched Telephone Network’ and it is the analogue network of telephone cables that covers the UK.

Those copper wires that run under your streets and into your homes that enable you to make telephone calls - that is the PSTN.

What are we switching to, When, and Why?

BT is switching everyone from its PSTN lines to a fully digital network.

This means that every phone line in the UK will be digital, sending/routing calls over ‘IP’ (Internet Protocol) technology – aka ‘the internet’.

The aim is for the UK to be fully switched from analogue to digital by 2027.

This is happening thanks to the ways in which our use of the phone network has changed over the years. With the introduction of smartphones, apps, and even platforms such as Zoom, the demands on our phone lines has grown to the point where a better delivery system is needed.

Is the new digital network better?

Put simply – yes!

The existing phone network is not able to keep up with the demands placed upon it. These demands are only going to increase in the coming years so this plan enables the entirety of the UK to stay connected.

Is this only happening in the UK?

The switch from analogue to digital is happening all over the world.

Germany, Japan and Sweden are ahead of us in making the shift to digital, whilst Estonia and The Netherlands have already switched off their old phone line networks.

What happens to my current phone line?

The switch should be completed by 2027, and BT will be taking care of most of the hard work.

Due to the sheer number of phone lines in operation, this switch over will be happening in phases.

BT will inform households and business locations of when their phone line will be switched over. BT has stated that a letter will land on your doorstep (or by whatever your pre-determined method of communication with them is). You may also receive communication from your phone/internet provider as well.

All maintenance of existing phone lines will continue by BT until the switch over has been completed so if you have not had a letter/communication from BT yet, don’t worry.

The important factor to remember with this switch over is that it doesn’t just affect your phone lines.

Any equipment that uses the traditional phone network - such as alarms, EPOS machines, CCTV, and even any fax machines that you may still be using – are also affected by this change.

What should I be doing?

A step that everyone should be taking is checking the equipment that they use to ensure that it will work after the switch over.

This is where the team here at A2B Technology can assist.

We are perfectly placed to review your current communication methods and tools, identifying any pitfalls or issues, and working with you to improve your communication methods and tools.

All with the aim of minimising any disruption.

Whether it’s a simple case of checking and introducing a few adaptors where necessary, or looking at shifting your business gradually to a new digital platform, our team can help.

We have a steady supply of tea and biscuits on hand so we can help you and your business through this switch with confidence. Contact us to discuss 'The Big Switch Off' and how it impacts your business today.

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