PSTN switch off push back provides breathing space

The PSTN switch off delay gives channel firms more time to calibrate right-fit solutions for non-standard migrations, but the January 2027 deadline must not be seen as an excuse to ease up on IP migration, according to this month’s panel of industry commentators

RICHARD SCOTT
SALES DIRECTOR, START COMMS

The PSTN switch off delay was disappointing, but not surprising. The additional time will assist with identifying and aiding complex use case scenarios. Eighty six per cent of our PSTN migration strategy has been completed and we are on course to fully complete before the end of this year. We are still seeing businesses that have legacy services with their incumbent provider and it appears that many resellers have been dragging their heels with educating customers when the migration pace needs to be picked up across the UK. Hopefully the extension does not hinder the positive momentum the industry was starting to gain

ALASTAIR RALPH,
TECHNICAL SALES PRE-SOLUTIONS, AVOIRA

The delay was a welcome surprise because limited access to FTTP in some locations had presented challenges. The delay allows us to be more flexible and explore alternative technologies alongside FTTP as they come to market. Around 80 per cent of our customers are already using technology compatible with the switch off and we have further plans to handle the remaining migrations. However, when the deadline was pushed back we implemented a strategic pause so we could continue to monitor the market and ensure the most appropriate solutions are offered to those few customers yet to migrate.

CAMILLA KARM,
SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR, REDSQUID

The extended deadline didn’t come as a surprise to many, and therefore it hasn’t changed our strategy drastically. We see this as an opportunity to make a greater difference to even more businesses, and it’ll provide a greater experience for large organisations that are yet to start their transformation. It sends a clear message that the plans can change with little warning and emphasises that sooner is better when it comes to the switch over. We have migrated most of our current customers, and those who are yet to move are primarily waiting for the rollout to come to their area.

IAN DUNSTAN
MD, COBALT

The extension was not a major surprise, considering the denial by some industries. The deadline pushback must be treated as a bonus rather than a reason to slow down. Education about the switch off is essential for the entire industry, moving away from scare tactics. We sold our first SIP trunks in 2008, leading to the migration of our last ISDN line two years ago. This shift allowed us to focus on new customers and niche markets reliant on analogue technology.

HARRY BOWLBY
MD, SPITFIRE NETWORK SERVICES

The delay was to be expected. It provides more time for more customers to migrate particularly using FTTP but increases service provider costs and the period of uncertainty. The key is making business leaders and decision makers aware of the need to make the switch sooner rather than later. The delay only provides a one year extension and we are still likely to experience resource bottlenecks. Prices are also likely to continue to increase on the old network services for analogue, ISDN and broadband. We are endeavouring to have completed as soon as we can but anticipate the delay will reduce the sense of urgency from customers.

DAVID WARDELL
CEO, EVOKE TELECOM

For many, the delay has come as a relief as they wait for carriers to provide fibre access in their local areas, not wholly seeing satellite or mobile networks as reliable. There are cloud solutions out there aplenty, but for some it is the carrier services that are holding them back. Most of our customers have already made the logical switch away from traditional lines. The pandemic was the inciting agent, shaping ‘the new normal’, and encouraging a focus on flexible off-site working. Some companies chose to sweat their assets and upgrade to SIP, others invested in the future and made a full move to the cloud. However, some smaller companies have been left behind. They are either nervous or simply don’t have access to affordable fibre circuits.

STEPHEN AYERS,
HEAD OF PRODUCT AND VENDORS, RAZORBLUE

The delay seemed inevitable due to areas that do not have a replacement offering available. I was expecting a temporary service called SOTAP to be made available. For most clients there is no benefit to keeping the old technology and Openreach is increasing pricing to encourage the move. We would have completed customer migrations before the 2025 deadline and have a plan to ensure all clients have a smooth transition should the PSTN switch off affect them. We are continuing with our original plan.

PAUL HOOPER,
MD UPLANDS ONETELCO

The delay didn’t catch us off guard but rather aligned with our expectations and presents a strategic opportunity to engage our customers further. We’re communicating that despite the extension, transitioning from outdated PSTN technology is crucial. The technology remains obsolete and unfit for modern demands. We’ve successfully transitioned most of our entire ISDN base to VoIP and our migration of PSTN services to IP-based solutions has surged. However, being rooted in Wales and Somerset our rural clients often lack access to superfast fibre and experience weak mobile signals, presenting challenges.

PETE JURY,
INTERIM MD ELITE GROUP

The delay to the PSTN switch off was expected and gives us a critical opportunity to reassess and fine-tune our strategic approach. Elite Group has been transitioning large and small customers to IP-based services for nearly two years while ensuring minimal disruption. With this extension, we can include more enhanced customer education and support. This delay underscores the necessity for adaptability. With comprehensive readiness and innovation, we can ensure a smooth transition and set a benchmark for quality and reliability.

KERRY KNOTT,
MANAGER, VOICE & DATA SERVICES ITRM

ITRM has made steady progress in transitioning from PSTN and we were on target to complete this by 2025. Our migration strategy can vary depending on the organisation’s goals and specific needs. Typically, the migration involves several stages. This starts with an assessment and creating a detailed migration plan. We then select an appropriate technology and ensure network infrastructure can support the new solution. At this point training and education becomes key before the full migration. Finally, post-migration support prevents follow-up issues. The delay hasn’t prompted us to rethink this strategy and we are still pushing to complete the migrations as soon as possible.

DION O’BYRNE
UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT RYDAL GROUP

We were not surprised by the delay as there were industry rumours, so were not caught off guard. Our strategy remains steadfast and the delay allows us to extend our support to even more businesses, helping them transition to solutions that deliver measurable benefits. We are on the cusp of completion as a proactive approach has ensured we are nearly there. We were well on track and acting swiftly to ensure a seamless transition well before the 2025 deadline.