As you may already know, the UK telephone network is currently undergoing a series of major changes. Primarily, the backbone of the network, is being switched from analogue to digital. What this means for individual customers, is that calls will be sent over the internet rather than over traditional copper lines.
The copper network, often referred to as the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) is set to be switched off by the end of 2025.
Very soon then, if not already in some cases, new customers being setup with a telephone provider will no longer be offered the option to connect to the PSTN. For existing customers, their provider should get in touch with them to discuss switching their services over from analogue to digital as required.
Although many telephone and broadband providers leverage BT's network, in some areas, Alternative Networks, or Altnets, can provide an independent fibre-only service.
In either case, whilst it may be possible for you to switch your broadband and other services over to digital, the provider may not be able to offer you a telephone service. Or, it might just be that you want to take the opportunity to look at other options whilst these changes are underway.
If you're in a situation where you're looking to keep your number but move over to a different provider, we'd recommend taking a look through the following helpful guides we have outlining which service might be suitable, and if applicable, how you would connect to Dial 9 to make and receive calls.
- Choosing the right VoIP device
- What are the differences between Call Forwarding and full VoIP?
- What is an ATA?
And, for further reading around these ongoing changes, we'd highly recommend that you have a look at the Future of Voice website.
If you have any questions about moving your telephone number and service across to Dial 9, please do get in touch.
