The impact
The PSTN switch off will manifest in ways we expect, but also in ways that may surprise us.
Devices and systems deeply integrated into daily business operations will suddenly stop, unable to communicate with their control systems. While some failures can be anticipated, others may be overlooked. Concerningly, this could include lift phones, door entry systems, and security alarms—where the problem may only be discovered when it’s too late.
At best this will be inconvenient, but at worst, it could create distressing and unsafe situations, such as someone being trapped in a lift with no means of communication, not to mention the serious implications for Health and Safety compliance.
Parallels with the ‘millennium bug’ (MB)
There are clear parallels with the millennium bug of 23 years ago. At the time, headlines warned of planes falling from the sky as the year 2000 struck. While much of this was exaggerated, the millennium bug entered the public consciousness long before the event.
The key difference today is that the PSTN switch off is network-driven rather than software-driven. Despite being an equivalent “national infrastructure event,” the awareness level among the business community remains surprisingly low. BT, Openreach, and the Government have kept campaigns fairly muted, leading to a lack of urgency and understanding of the potential impact.
The right response
For many businesses, prioritising the PSTN switch off is challenging. Organisations are still transitioning from pandemic disruption, facing workforce shortages, rising energy costs, and preparing for recession. Against this backdrop, an event still three years away may seem distant.
However, Digital Space strongly recommends that organisations position the PSTN switch off on their long-term agenda now. It should be treated as another significant headwind—like hybrid working, inflation, and consumer behaviour shifts—that will shape the 2020–2025 business landscape.
Forward-looking CIOs should view PSTN planning as part of their wider digital transformation strategy, enabling them to:
- Pivot through lockdowns with hybrid workforce solutions.
- Improve employee experience to encourage retention and engagement.
- Enhance customer service through virtual contact centre models.
- Optimise costs via hybrid IT platforms (data centre, private and public cloud), while modernising connectivity to address PSTN, strengthen security, and elevate customer experience.
Adding the list of digital transformation outcomes we want to achieve
To thrive, organisations must adopt a core set of security, connectivity, and hybrid cloud services. This isn’t about creating a shopping list of products but carefully integrating these strategic elements into a robust, agile platform.
Delivered in partnership with an experienced managed service provider, this holistic approach underpins successful digital transformation, builds competitive advantage, and ensures resilience against current and future challenges.
About Digital Space
Digital Space delivers progressive digital solutions that enable organisations to transform at pace. Focused on enabling change for our customers, we provide secure, connected cloud managed services to the UK mid-enterprise.
