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PSTN Switch Off- What You Need To Know

July 10, 2024 — 3 min read

What’s Happening?

The United Kingdom’s PSTN (Public Switch Telephone Network) is scheduled to switch off in 2027 and voice communication that traditionally used the physical wired infrastructure will go digital moving to the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

This means that any IoT devices that currently depends on the PSTN network will stop working and need to migrate to next generation connectivity.  It is critical for businesses delivering services in the UK over the PSTN to begin the process of migrating before the switch off occurs.

Why is this happening?

As technology advances, older networks are phased out to make room for the newer infrastructure. PSTN is an analogue technology and now simply cannot keep up with the demands of modern communications.

PSTN is the traditional telephone system that uses copper cables to provide voice and internet access to businesses and people across the UK. The copper network has been active since 1876 and was originally designed purely for telephone communication. With the digital revolution, the PSTN cannot deliver the capacity or service reliability needed by its users so modern alternatives have been created to be able to deliver the necessary bandwidth required.

Which Sectors are going to be most affected?

The PSTN supports more than just voice communications and it is estimated that over 200 IoT applications will be without network access when the PSTN switch off happens.

Common applications using the PSTN include:

  • Telecare and critical care devices

  • Lifts

  • Door entry Systems

  • Alarm Systems

  • ePOS

  • Traffic Lights

  • Streetlights

  • CCTV

  • ATMs

What does this mean for my IoT devices?

If your IoT devices utilise the PSTN which is planned to be switched off, then you may feel like you have a logistical nightmare. However, in reality, the PSTN switch off presents a unique opportunity for IoT devices and services to move to a newer, secure and reliable solution.

The Solution is Cellular Connectivity

With cellular connectivity, landline connections can be replaced with a secure and scalable network that can unify voice communications and cloud-based data services. Cellular infrastructure can also be monitored and maintained remotely over the network thus providing a cost saving measure on maintenance.

Furthermore, cellular technologies like LTE-M have the capacity to offer a superior alternative to PSTN by providing better penetration into areas like buildings, thus supporting low-data applications. By choosing cellular it allows for a future ready strategy that can support next generation services such as 5G.

Pelion offers 4G LTE and 5G connectivity, future proof IoT SIMs and routers that can allow your business to transition PSTN network.

A Trusted Partner

At Pelion, we have been partnering with businesses in the connectivity space for over 20 years. Our team of experts understand the challenges of switching to new technologies and can help you find the right cellular technology and IoT SIM for your business. We have an extensive range of networks and agreements which allows us to deliver the essential ‘always on’ connectivity you need.  By partnering with Pelion, your business will be able to deploy an end-to-end solution and transition away from the PSTN network by design.

“The PSTN switch-off is an opportunity for companies to upgrade from dial-up and legacy systems to more modern mobile & cellular technologies. This transition enhances connectivity, security, and scalability, allowing businesses to fully exploit IoT capabilities. At Pelion, we are dedicated to supporting our customers and partners in their journey”  

-Alan Tait, CTO, Pelion.