Although 2025 might seem far away, we urge you to look back an equal amount of years. How long ago does 2017 feel? Not long ago, at all, right?
In the world of business, time can feel like liquid, so something that’s still a few years off will still impact how you need to act.
By December 2025, the traditional analogue phone network (or PTSN) will reach the end of its life and give way to new technologies. Here’s everything you need to know about “The Great Switch Off.”
Who is Openreach?
Openreach is a fixed-line telecoms infrastructure company, owned by BT Group plc. If you aren’t tech-savvy, this essentially means they own the copper and fibre wire cables that connect homes (and businesses) to phone and broadband.
What do they do?
Openreach runs the UK’s main telecoms network infrastructure that is used by over 650+ internet and broadband providers. They do not sell phone, broadband, or TV services directly to customers and that’s why you might not have heard of them! They are very much a “behind the scenes” company that keeps “Britain connected.”
Why are they closing?
BT Openreach announced in 2019 that “they are closing the copper wire telephone network across the UK for homes and businesses”. They are replacing all networks with fibre optics, and stopping the ADSL and ISDN services to improve download speeds across the country. Whilst this in of itself doesn’t sound so scary – there are still options, right? – as with any huge change in the UK’s traditional infrastructure, it’s important businesses prepare themselves.
What actions have Openreach already taken towards closure?
Their closure announcement was only the first step. Then they started rolling out fibre networks, and aim to be completely finished by 2025.
How will Openreach’s closure affect me and my business?
A service provider closing could affect any number of businesses, so you need to check what service you are on and start looking for alternatives.
Whilst Openreach’s closure seems very far off into the future, time will pass quickly and you don’t want to be left stranded. Alternatives include VoIP (which we sell) and other alternative broadband lines.
For more information about how Openreach could affect you specifically and how you can purchase new internet-based phone lines, reach out to Keytech for all your telecom needs. Book a discovery call or ring 0113 531 5400 to see how we can unlock your company’s potential, together.
