Hands up who still uses a traditional landline phone. If you’re in the minority of people whose response is ‘me!’, unfortunately you probably won’t be able to for much longer.
Millions of Brits will soon be forced to make the switch to more up-to-date broadband technology, as phone providers seek to modernise the UK’s communications network. Companies are aiming to fully move on from what’s known as the Public Telephone Switch Network by 2025. In other words, R.I.P landlines as we know and love them.
To remain in touch with loved ones, people will have to get broadband installed so that they can make landline calls using the internet. Both BT and Virgin have promised that they won’t charge customers if they want to have a landline-only broadband installed.
If you already have broadband, you can simply plug your phone into your Wi-fi router and you’re good to go. However, many worry that the nationwide switch will leave behind the elderly and those without access to technology.
BT said on its help page: ‘The Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) will close in December 2025. This won’t just affect voice services, it may also mean you need to upgrade your broadband. Any equipment that currently uses the PSTN will stop working: alarms, EPOS machines, door entry systems, CCTV, faxes, and so on. The Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) will also stop working. At some point before 2025, you’ll need to move from PSTN to the latest IP technology.’
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