Security Systems After PSTN Network Switch Off?

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch-off is just around the corner. This landmark event means businesses and households in the UK switch from an analogue to a digital telephone network. This is going to make a lot of essential security technology redundant. Some CCTV cameras, security systems, and alarms will all be impacted by the switch.

It is very easy to overlook security systems when thinking about the PSTN network as most relate this term to telephone lines. However, the truth is that the switch impacts much more than your telephone service.

In our fast-moving world, it is easy to move network issues to the bottom of the to-do list. At Love Energy Savings, we exist to steer domestic and business consumers in the right direction, especially when it comes to confusing network transitions. We know how difficult it is to get answers to simple questions. ‘What does PSTN impact?’ is one of the most common questions that concerned customers ask. 

In this article, our experts answer all the important questions about PSTN security. 

What Is the PSTN Switch  Off?

Homes and businesses in the UK operate on PSTN networks. PSTN, which stands for Public Switched Telephone Network, is an analogue network.

Analogue networks depend on physical systems such as copper wires. People in the UK have been using this system since the 1800s. In fact, analogue networks first rose to public consciousness in 1876, when Alexander Bell patented the first telephone. Technology has rapidly developed since the 1800s, and the switch is long overdue in order to keep up with our internet connection needs and the way we now use a phone system.

BT Openreach, a company that maintains all the essential components of analogue network systems across the UK, announced that PSTN networks will be redundant by December 2025. Whilst this initially seems that it is just a phone line, vital technology relies on the Public Switch Telephone Network.

This means that some PSTN-based equipment like CCTV, intercoms and security technology will stop working. Digital networks, which are not reliant on physical infrastructure, will take the place of PSTN networks. 

Network providers call this transition the PSTN switch-off. 

What Does PSTN Impact?

Most businesses and homes in the UK operate on the traditional PSTN analogue network. The switch-off will impact your landline phone, door entry systems, security alarms, intercoms, and CCTV cameras.

Anything that relies on PSTN networks will be impacted by the switch. Businesses that protect expensive goods need to be aware of these changes. Storage units, remote sites, factories, warehouses, and prisons will be the worst impacted businesses. 

The added benefit of making the switch to a digital VoIP service is being able to upgrade your phone lines and hardware to benefit from added features made available by an internet connection.

Homeowners are not exempt from the switch-off. Property managers in the luxury home market need to act fast to ensure that their PSTN security technology remains active throughout 2025. There is some speculation that celebrity homes could be the first casualty of the switch-off in 2025.

By September 2023, Openreach will stop selling products that are reliant on traditional analogue networks. New business owners and homeowners will have to switch to digital networks sooner rather than later. 

CCTV Camera With PSTN 

CCTV stands for Closed-circuit Television. CCTV cameras provide business owners and homeowners with an opportunity to protect their spaces. Video surveillance is particularly important for businesses that are at high risk of burglaries and invasions.

When CCTV cameras with PSTN observe something unusual, a signal is sent through the PSTN network. The signal goes to a centre that receives and responds to similar home invasion threats. If the CCTV cameras still operate on PSTN networks by December 2025, the signal will not be sent. CCTV cameras with PSTN will be defunct and will not protect business premises and homes from outside threats.  

Home PSTN Security Systems

Home PSTN security alarms are often the first line of defence against intruders. They provide homeowners with a sense of security. Although home systems are more expensive than simple alarms, they deliver comprehensive protection and support. A typical home PSTN security system might consist of several cameras and alarms. 

Like CCTV cameras with PSTN, home security tech trigger a signal. The signal is sent to a 24/7 centre that monitors alarms. If homeowners do not switch to a digital network before 2025, their home security systems will not work. 

Burglar PSTN Alarms

Burglar PSTN alarms are much more popular than home security. These are full-scale, whereas burglar alarms can be bought separately. They are a less expensive alternative to comprehensive systems. Given that one burglary happens every 106 seconds in the UK, it is no surprise that lots of homeowners and business owners invest in this form of home security. 

When burglar alarms are triggered, a signal moves along the PSTN phone line to reach a monitoring centre. If the same PSTN alarms are installed in 2025, homeowners will be vulnerable to attacks. Burglars have become increasingly more sophisticated in recent years, and they will be aware of the PSTN switch-off. 

PSTN Intercoms

Intercoms, which are also known as intercommunication systems, are often used in businesses and apartment blocks. They provide a basis for communication between people outside and inside spaces. Most businesses install intercoms to screen who they allow in the building. 

PSTN intercoms are very common. Luckily, there is an easy fix. If you have a PSTN intercom, call the company that you purchased the device from. In most cases, intercom companies will switch the device to a wireless digital network. If this option is not available, we recommend purchasing new systems that run on VoIP digital networks. 

Upgrade to VoIP Telecoms Solutions

It is a good idea to upgrade your telephone network to VoIP phone systems as soon as possible to avoid the last-minute rush.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems are completely digital. They are the best alternative to traditional analogue PSTN systems. This digital system was created to respond to modern communication needs. It guarantees the easiest, simplest network transition for busy business owners and homeowners. CCTV cameras with PSTN, PSTN security, PSTN alarms, and PSTN intercoms can all operate on digital systems. 

It is important to note that you may require a stronger internet connection to efficiently host a VoIP phone system. You may want to assess all your business essentials at the same time to avoid any potential downtime. There are lots of great deals on fibre broadband services.

Even better, there are lots of extra benefits that come with VoIP systems. 

• Built for the future - Networks that run on digital systems are future-proof. They are designed to operate without relying on physical infrastructure. Business owners and homeowners can avoid the stress and frustration that will come with future network transitions by investing in a robust digital network now. 
• Comprehensive pricing structure - One of the biggest benefits of VoIP systems is that they are scalable. Business owners will pay a monthly fee for each phone system that is connected to the network. They will also pay a flat fee for a set amount of minutes. As businesses grow, owners can add new lines. VoIP allows people to manage their expenses and react to growth. 
• Versatile calling - Lots of business owners will benefit from VoIP’s advanced calling options. Employees can twin user handsets and mobiles to create simultaneous inbound calling. This feature allows for smooth transitions in emergencies.

Put your details into our hassle-free VoIP quote generator and see how much your new digital network package might cost.

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