What is the ISDN Switch – Off ?

The way Britain – and the world – communicates is changing, and soon, as the UK leads the charge into the era of fully digital communications, BT will ‘switch off’ the old network of copper wires that has connected the country for a century. That sounds rather dramatic, so in this post we are going to set out exactly what that means, what will replace it and what it all means for your business. 

The Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) Goes out – of – Service in 2027

The ISDN is a telecommunications solution, allowing your calls and data to be transmitted digitally on copper wires. Back in the 90s, ISDN offered an upgrade to the traditional analogue system (PSTN – Public Switched Telephone Network), but, as is the way with technology, it has now had its day.  

In 2024, ISDN can no longer keep pace with what is possible, or what is necessary to keep our economy and our society connected.

Now unable to match the needs of our economy and our society, ISDN will be switched off in 2027, as part of a global shift to IP solutions which utilise the internet, rather than copper cabling, to keep you connected. Quite simply, after 31 January 2027, anything not working on a fibre-based connection will stop working. 

BT Openreach are working to deliver a full-fibre network to the United Kingdom to make the transition largely seamless – as long as you are ready for it. 

What Does Full Fibre Mean? 

As we have addressed, traditionally, broadband and phone connections are based on copper cabling. In a full-fibre network, that cabling is replaced by fibre optic cabling, typically plastic or glass, which will come straight into your home or business (Fibre to the Premises – FTTP connections). Data is transmitted through the cable as pulses of light, allowing it to travel at far greater speeds, encounter less resistance and lose less along the way, providing a better connectivity and call experience. 

You might also hear about VoiP connections – Voice over Internet Protocol. Simply, VoiP will become the standard for voice communication after the switch-off, using the internet to transmit your voice to the receiver. 

What Does the Switch – Off Mean for My Business?

In a nutshell, it means that your business infrastructure needs to run on fibre connections. But rather than view that as yet another item on your ever-growing to-do list, this telecoms revolution offers your business an opportunity to unlock new levels of performance and efficiency. The old infrastructure is being replaced because of its rising maintenance costs and falling performance levels – this change will benefit you and your business, and the sooner you embrace it, the more you stand to gain.

If you still have reliance on legacy infrastructure, it’s time to make a plan. By working with an expert connectivity and communications partner such as inTEC, you can ensure that your transition is fully managed so that your hardware, your wider IT infrastructure and your people are ready for the change.  

The steps you will need to take, which inTEC can support you with every step of the way, include: 

• Assessing compatibility of hardware, devices and peripherals with VoiP solution 

• Ensuring sufficient internet quality is available to service an internet-based solution 

• Testing of your new solution Monitoring for compliance with data security regulations 

• Train your staff to ensure that both internal and external communications continue seamlessly 

How Long Do We Have?

Actually, not that long. BT had initially hoped that the switch-off would occur in 2025 – that has now been delayed to January 2027, but before we know it, 2024 will be behind us and that leaves just two years. That can be two years of a nagging worry and a looming deadline, or two years of better connectivity and better communications. Beat the rush and get in touch with inTEC today to get your business embracing full-fibre to achieve more from your IT.

Get in touch!

If you’re concerned about your connectivity, call: 0345 565 1767 or email: info@intecbusiness.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.