Until relatively recently, all Broadband services required an underlying phone line for the Broadband to run across. However, by December 2025, BT Openreach will have shut down the UK’s PSTN circuit (Public Switched Telephone Network) and traditional phone lines will be no more!
That switch-off is happening on a gradual basis, so although December 2025 may seem a long way off, some telephone exchanges have already been turned off, with others scheduled for end-of-life during this coming year.
This means that businesses still relying on PSTN lines will need to be making alternative plans for their telephone and Broadband services, sooner rather than later.
Telephone systems
If your business still has a traditional “on-premise” phone system (one that doesn’t run over the Internet) then this will currently be using legacy lines and will need replacing. More modern alternatives include a Voice over Internet system such as Gamma Horizon, or the Voice functionality that is available with Microsoft Teams.
Broadband
There are a number of options available and the choice is likely to be affected by your requirements around Broadband speed, as well as your location.
A new solution in the world of Broadband is SoGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access). It delivers Broadband without needing to sit on top of a separate PSTN line as it is, in itself, a dedicated line that delivers Broadband and includes an underlying version of a phone line.
SoGEA means no longer having to pay a monthly fee for a separate phone line, and the lack of phone line also means the risk of interference or unstable connection is lower.
Timing is important– don’t lose your phone number!
In order to preserve your existing phone number, it is essential that the “porting” (transferring) of the number takes place before the service is switched to SoGEA. HJS Technology can manage the transfer on your behalf to ensure that this happens. Enter your contact details here to find out more, or give us a call.