PSTN Shutdown

The Big PSTN Switch off

What is Happening?

  • BT Openreach will shutdown all analogue telephone lines by 2025. This system is known as the public service telephone network (PSTN). The majority of services providers have already stopped selling new connections that use the PSTN network. All service providers will stop selling PSTN connections by 2023.


  • Any devices that use the PSTN service will no longer work. This includes telephones, fax machines, a majority of alarm communicators for intruder and fire systems,  lift alarms, life line systems used by the vunerable and dial up modems.

Why is it happening?

  • PSTN is over 100 years in the making and a lot of the infrastructure is just as old. With ongoing demand for more connections and higher data speeds the old network can not keep up.


  • The old system relies on copper cables which has limitations for data speed and the amount of voice calls it can handle.  Fibre optics can not only handle more data at greater speed, but it also works over huge distances. This will enable internet speeds to be more consistent regardless of your distance from the exchange.

How will my telephone work?

  • All data and voice calls will use Internet Protocol (IP). This is a system where your voice is converted to data and sent over the internet.


  • We are already seeing internet routers being launched with telephone sockets on the back of them. You will plug your telephone into the back of the router instead of the wall outlet. The majority of the suppliers will probably continue to use this technology.


  • It is anticipated that manufacturers will start to develop telephones that connect via your WIFI or using an IP network plug (ethernet). This will allow more flexibility on the number of telephones you can have.

Faster data speeds sounds great! What are the downsides?

  • Currently the PSTN system is supported by power from your local telephone exchange. This enables most traditional telephones to continue in the event of a power failure. With the new system your phone will not work if there is a local power cut.


  • Any secondary sockets around your property will cease to function. This includes sockets feeding alarm communicators.


  • The routers rear socket only supports one traditional analogue telephone.  In this case it would be better to use cordless phones because only the main base is counted as the analogue device. All of the additional radio handsets do not count towards the usage.

What do I need to do?

  • Your service provider will contact you when your local exchange (or area) is being updated. They should give you enough warning to get new systems in place.


  • Your telephone socket on the back or your router will only become live when the service provider has provisioned it, and the local upgrades made. Until then it will not do anything.


  • If you are worried about your alarm communicator not working, then please call us for advice. Haven Security have been fitting Internet and mobile network based communicators for many years now so you might not need to make any changes. There are some products that just will not work and will need to be replaced, but we can advise you accordingly.


  • If you have one of our panels that provides APP connectivity, it will continue to work as it already uses your internet or mobile network connection.
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