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Andy Bromley CSL - Head of Product
3.5 min read

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a traditional phone network that has served us for decades, is on its way out, as part of the transition from analogue to digital. With the impending PSTN switch-off scheduled for 2025, businesses and organisations across the UK face the challenge of finding a reliable and cost-effective solution to keep their voice communications up and running. Enter VoiceLink, a revolutionary technology that seamlessly bridges the gap between the legacy PSTN infrastructure and the future of voice communications. 

The current state of PSTN 

The PSTN, with its copper wire infrastructure, has been the backbone of voice communications for over a century. However, with the advent of digital technologies, the limitations of PSTN have become increasingly apparent. Its analogue nature makes it susceptible to noise and interference, and its lack of scalability hinders its ability to meet the demands of modern communication needs.

The decision to switch off the PSTN was driven by the need to upgrade the UK's telecommunications infrastructure to a more modern, efficient, and future-proof network. This transition will pave the way for the adoption of advanced voice technologies like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which offer superior call quality, enhanced features, and lower costs.

The implications of the PSTN switch-off are far-reaching, affecting businesses, organisations, and individuals across the UK. Traditional landlines, emergency call points, lift alarms, and various specialised devices that rely on PSTN will need to be upgraded or replaced before the deadline. The task of migrating from PSTN to a new solution is complex and time-consuming, making it crucial to start planning and implementing a transition strategy as early as possible. 

The impacted sectors of the PSTN switch-off, what is the solution? 

The impact of the PSTN switch-off varies across different sectors, industries and applications. One of the applications that are particularly affected is lift alarms found across retail, local councils, hospitals and business premises. Also impacted are emergency lines. These vary from the types you see on the side of motorways, train stations, petrol forecourts, national grid sites and reservoirs, which all rely on a physical phone line.

VoiceLink is designed to address the specific needs of these sectors, offering a versatile solution that can be tailored to various applications. It seamlessly converts PSTN calls to 4G Voice Over LTE (VoLTE), ensuring that analogue systems can continue to operate seamlessly even after the PSTN switch-off.

VoiceLink: The Bridge Between Legacy and Future Communications

VoiceLink is more than just a replacement for PSTN; it represents a step forward in the evolution of voice communications. It leverages the power of 4G VoLTE, providing crystal-clear call quality, increased reliability, and a host of advanced features that were not possible with traditional analogue systems. Key features of VoiceLink include:

4G VoLTE: Converts PSTN calls to 4G VoLTE, ensuring future-proof compatibility. 
Resilience: Equipped with a CSL roaming SIM as standard, providing redundancy in case of network disruptions 
Battery Backup: Offers 8 hours of standby or 2 hours of talk time in case of power loss. 
Plug and Play Installation: Easy and quick to install, with no reprogramming of existing equipment required. 

The Benefits of VoiceLink for Customers

VoiceLink offers a compelling value proposition for customers, providing a range of benefits that extend beyond simply replacing PSTN. It eliminates the need for dedicated PSTN lines, significantly reducing monthly costs for businesses and consumers. Instead of paying for expensive PSTN lines, customers can switch to a more affordable contract.

With the PSTN switch-off looming, many businesses and organisations are facing uncertainty about their future voice communications. VoiceLink provides the peace of mind that comes with a reliable and future-proof solution. By seamlessly transitioning from PSTN to VoLTE, with VoiceLink, customers can rest assured that their voice communications will remain uninterrupted, ensuring business continuity and customer satisfaction. 

The resilience and advanced features also provide an extra layer of security and reliability, protecting customers from potential disruptions and ensuring that their critical voice communications remain operational.

VoiceLink not only offers significant cost savings in ongoing monthly expenses but also boasts a lower upfront investment compared to alternative solutions. With a lower equipment cost compared to traditional PSTN replacements, VoiceLink is an extremely cost-effective option. Where a customer was previously paying for a phone line with the money going directly to service providers, VoiceLink creates a recurring revenue stream growing the value of any business and is great for future investment.

Finally, VoiceLink can be easily installed during routine service visits, eliminating the need for additional labour expenses. For lift manufacturers, they may have a base of many lifts, so having a speedy alternative option is vital.  

What do to next? 

The approaching PSTN switch-off presents a challenge for businesses and organisations across the UK, but it also offers an opportunity to embrace the future of voice communications. VoiceLink stands out as the ideal solution, providing a seamless transition from legacy systems to a modern, reliable, and cost-effective VoIP platform. With its versatility, resilience, and ease of installation, VoiceLink is poised to become the cornerstone of voice communications for years to come. 

Learn more about VoiceLink and its benefits or speak to one of our Critical Connectivity experts. 

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