Embracing an all-IP future: Navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in the UK public sector telecommunications

With the UK’s PSTN networks set to be switched off in 2025, the importance of the transition to IP systems and the infrastructure associated with it cannot be understated

As we embark on the journey into 2024, the business communication landscape in the UK is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the nationwide cessation of copper-based telephone and internet services. The National Stop Sell initiated by Openreach in September 2023 wasn’t merely a procedural milestone; it was a resounding call to embrace the boundless possibilities presented by all-IP fibre-based internet technologies and cloud telephony. On this transformative journey, we explore the imminent challenges and promising opportunities that lie ahead.

The transition: A pressing necessity

The looming December 2025 deadline will demand a comprehensive overhaul of existing telephone systems and internet services. The cessation of traditional ISDN digital and PSTN analogue telephone lines marks a watershed moment, compelling businesses and organisations to migrate these services to IP-based communication. Delaying the migration risks an eleventh-hour rush, potentially resulting in disruptions and service outages. Key decision-makers must act now to avoid these pitfalls.

Copper to fibre: Overcoming the challenges

With just two years to the Big Switch Off, millions of broadband and telephone lines still rely on outdated network infrastructure provided by Openreach’s local access services. This infrastructure falls short of meeting the demands of modern, flexible, and bandwidth-hungry organisations.

Migrating internet circuits and upgrading on-premises telephone systems to cloud-based services present unique challenges, necessitating a robust and suitable IP data network infrastructure. The need for seamless internet connectivity, avoiding downtime and ensuring continued impeccable call quality is paramount. A comprehensive migration roadmap is necessary to ensure a smooth and stress-free migration. Evaluate existing services, how they are being used, and which ones need to be changed. What impact would losing these services have on the organisation?

Understanding the all-IP landscape

In contrast to the simplicity of copper- based systems designed for voice, the transition to all-IP introduces a host of new considerations. As organisations navigate the journey to all-IP, safeguarding voice traffic as it traverses both Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs) becomes crucial.

The sensitivity of VoIP to network quality, specifically latency, underscores the importance of using dedicated circuits or premium broadband connections with carefully defined performance Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Fortunately, fibre circuits tailored for VoIP, backed by SLAs and Quality of Service guarantees, not only offer much higher speeds but also low-latency pathways for voice data, ensuring voice quality remains protected.

All-IP is the only way to go: Exploring options and opportunities

While the move to all-IP is non- negotiable, there are options within this framework based on budget, need and location. Dedicated Fibre Ethernet, Full Fibre Ethernet and Broadband, VoIP telephony, and even mobile data and telephony all stand as suitable options, each catering to specific requirements and applications.

Exploring a single supplier solution for an all-IP migration for data and telephony services may also offer additional value, particularly for large and complex network deployments. This integrated approach enhances support, simplifies billing, and reduces time inefficiencies associated with managing multiple supplier relationships, proving to be a far more cost-effective solution.

The shift to fibre brings forth unparalleled speed, reliability, and scalability, mitigating many of the challenges associated with traditional copper lines and unlocking other opportunities as more business functions continue to evolve and require access to cloud-hosted services and applications.

Adapting to the modern work environment

In the wake of changes spurred by the pandemic, organisations require greater adaptability with hybrid or remote working solutions. Platforms like Teams, often used for internal collaboration, coupled with the need for full telephone system functionality for customer and client-facing interactions, demand careful consideration. Web management portals, voicemail, direct numbering, call recording, and reporting are vital components for managing staff productivity effectively in the evolving work landscape.

Fixed line fibre, along with mobile data and cloud connectivity, provides the capability to build a resilient and secure multi-user network for voice and data applications. Using suitable Quality of Service configurations, a single network can be deployed catering for not only office Internet access and telephony but also remote workers, client Wi-Fi access, CCTV monitoring, access control, building management and other Internet of Things (IoT) use cases, for example. Typically, all these services can then be centrally controlled and managed, with the entire network protected behind a cloud-hosted firewall security solution.

Key takeaways: Act now

The impending December 2025 deadline should act as a catalyst for businesses and organisations to act now. Assess existing services, define a migration roadmap, and explore suitable options to safeguard necessary voice quality and enhance resilience. This journey from copper to an all-IP future of fibre and cloud telephony is not just a necessity; it’s an opportunity to redefine how businesses and organisations communicate, collaborate, and innovate in the digital age. Act now to shape a future-ready telecommunication network.