Hopefully, over the last few months, we’ve been able to explain what The Big Switch Off is, why and when it’s happening, and who is affected. In a nutshell, it’s everyone who have old analogue public switched telephone network (PSTN) and ISDN networks.
However if you’re still unsure you can click here.
One of the things that we keep getting asked is about the impact that it will have on businesses.
Of course, when we talk about landlines and telecoms, the immediate thing that springs to mind is your telephone services; making and receiving calls, voicemail and your broadband are probably top of the pile.
However, if you're still operating your phone services on the PSTN or ISDN, there’s a fair chance that you will have other services that are operating using those networks.
Just like your phone services, these non-voice services will also be impacted by The Big Switch Off and cease to work unless they migrate to an IP network.
Things like…
Fire and Security Alarms
Did you know that fire alarms and intruder alarms may be using analogue networks to send signals?
The very things that protect your premises, possessions and staff could be at risk of being switched off if you don’t upgrade to IP devices soon.
The good news is that if you’ve had your devices replaced in the last five years, chances are you may already be operating an IP device.
Definitely worth a check!
EPOS machines
EPOS machines are Electronic Points of Sale – basically a fancy till that gives business owners the opportunity to process and track sales, understand business performance and manage stock.
Depending on what system you may be operating, your EPOS machine may include things like the cash drawer, receipt printer, barcode scanner, iPad/tablets and more.
If you’re still using an analogue line for upgrades and reporting transactions, you can say goodbye to your EPOS machine until you upgrade – and that will cause serious issues for your business!
Broadband
Are you using ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) or FttC (Fibre to the Cabinet)? These are provided over the PSTN network using the copper wiring that will stop working once the PSTN network is switched off.
If the answer is yes, you need to investigate the options that are available to protect all the services that your business needs to survive post The Big Switch Off.
What should I do to solve this?
At Affinity, we’re well versed in providing advice and support for clients wishing to upgrade their telephone lines and have a number of products which will help you with this.
One last thing. Please bear in mind that the last date for the switch off is January 2027. Some exchanges have already been switched off and will continue to happen between now and then.
We really recommend spending some time looking into this further as soon as possible.
If you have concerns that you’re still operating analogue lines and would like to speak to an expert about any of the above, please submit your details in the link below and a member of our technical team will be in touch.
