In today’s world, cybercrime is more of a threat than ever before. Are you wondering how to protect your business from cyber-attacks?
The PSTN Switch Off Delayed to 2027
BT has recently announced a delay to the Big Switch Off. The UK’s PTSN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) will now be switched off a year later than the expected date in late 2025. This switch off is a huge change to the way that the UK previously ran all its digital services – using an intricate copper infrastructure. Many homes and businesses relied and, in some areas, still rely on this structure for landline telephony, alarm systems, emergency call boxes and even medical equipment.
Although, it is important to have a deadline for this switch to encourage all to make the change, it is also important that everybody is ready for the change. The logistical factors involved, and resource limitations mean that not everyone is ready for these legacy lines to go dead in 2025. In this blog, we are going to discuss a few reasons why the switch is delayed and if you are a business still relying on the PTSN or ISDN network why you must make the changes before it is too late.
Reasons for the Delay
As discussed briefly earlier, one major reason for the delay is to ensure that all users are ready to make the switch. Replacing all current copper lines has been a huge undertaking and has been met with challenges, the extra time will ensure it is fully stable and ready to meet the demands of all users. This includes vulnerable groups like the elderly who are still using landline telephones and who would also need technical assistance to adapt to new telephone systems. Equally, those in rural areas too need adequate coverage and support to ensure there is no disruption in service.
Ensuring a smooth transition is even more crucial for users such as emergency services and medical facilities. It is vital that there is an uninterrupted connection for these services – lives could depend on it!
Many businesses have had to upgrade both software and hardware during the switch and this can present challenges when it comes to staff training. The delay allows more time for users to learn to use new systems and hardware, plus the time needed for installing and testing these systems thoroughly.
Important to consider is the possibility that the switch may open the way for cyber security issues and attacks. Therefore, more time is essential for businesses to strengthen their cyber defences, ensure they are compliant and to iron out any data privacy and network security issues.
Make the Switch Before It's Too Late
All in all, this shift to the deadline gives more time to everyone involved, whether to adapt to a new way of working, get to grips with newly installed hardware and software, to be able to thoroughly test their new network, ensure full security compliance or to resolve any potential technical issues.
Hopefully, your business has been preparing for the switch already and has made the necessary changes, but if you still need to make the switch then there is good news… There is still time! NT Voice & Data have been helping businesses switch to a comprehensive digital solution that meets the needs of their business and will ensure a seamless transition when BT finally shut off these legacy systems. Contact us today – 01623 687750 or sales@ntvd.co.uk.
Read more about the BT Switch off in our articles Getting Ready for the BT Switch Off: What You Need To Know and Is Your Business Ready for the BT 2025 Switch Off?
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