The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is a legacy analogue technology which has connected homes and businesses across Scotland for decades and will be fully shut down in favour of a fully digital network by January 2027.
BT are working with organisations, businesses and consumers to put plans in place to migrate landlines and devices to a cloud or digital phone system at the earliest opportunity. This once in a generation upgrade will see the old analogue technology retired and all organisations upgraded to digital phone services – often referred to as ‘All-IP’.
This digital technology transmits data at much faster speeds and allows for greater flexibility and scalability. These new services will be easier to maintain and will provide a better service overall, which will support members delivering the best possible public services for their community.
Although most businesses can easily be switched over to all-IP, some have certain devices that rely on features of the PSTN. For customers that have no available IP replacement, BT have introduced our Pre-digital Phone Line (PDPL) as an interim solution, so customers can keep legacy equipment connected while moving off of the PSTN. This will be available until 2030 giving our customers time to find a suitable digital alternative.
As an ICT decision maker, it’s important to understand how this will impact your organisation’s infrastructure and services. If you have not yet started your migration journey, I would urge you to contact your migration specialist, your Account Manager or me directly at the earliest opportunity to find out more about your options and the benefits this can bring to your organisation.
Michael McMillan
Head of IP Migration at BT Business
