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11 Sept 2025
Future proofing critical communications for the PSTN Switch Off
In just over a year, the UK’s Public Service Telephone Network will switch off for good. By the 31st January 2027, Britain’s telecommunications will be a fully digital network, the old analogue copper wire infrastructure replaced by fibre optic and mobile networks that use an Internet Protocol (IP).
What is the significance of the PSTN Switch Off?
It’s a huge change for public services, businesses and households. This move to a fully digital network won’t just affect voice services; users will have to upgrade broadband as well as other data services. Any equipment that uses the PSTN will stop working – including alarms, EPOS machines, door entry systems, CCTV, faxes etc. The Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) will also stop working. Furthermore, providers will need to replace PSTN secondary bearers with suitable alternatives.
The implications for UK emergency responders and critical communications
In 2024, mobile and landline users made nearly 38 million calls to the UK 999 emergency services. Furthermore, Home Office government data suggests that incidents requiring emergency responses in the UK are increasing by as much as 15% in recent years. Therefore, ensuring emergency responders such as the fire, police, ambulance and lifeboat services are future proofing their systems is mission critical.
Britain’s emergency responders services are addressing the challenges
Emergency services like the Avon Fire & Rescue Service are already managing the transition, replacing legacy technology systems in readiness. This work will ensure that firefighters in Avon, Bath and Bristol will have access to robust and continuous communications when undertaking their daily duties in the run-up to the 2027 PSTN Switch Off and after.
Multitone, Telent and Ericsson: a partnership solution for emergency responders
Last year, Multitone, a leading provider of integrated critical communication systems, announced its three-way partnership with Ericsson, the global leader in cloud-delivered LTE and 5G wireless network solutions, and Telent. The collaboration has resulted in the development of a groundbreaking 4G solution, which again will be a key highlight at this year’s Emergency Tech Show 2025 in Birmingham. Multitone will be exhibiting at The Emergency Tech Show, demonstrating the company’s products, including the new Multitone Nucleus™.
Jason Humphreys, Multitone’s Emergency Services Account Manager, said: “Multitone’s Critical Messaging technology ensures that urgent messages reach the right people, on the right device, at the right time. Our innovative solutions include Multitone Nucleus™ which bridges the gap between people, teams and departments, empowering them to work smarter and faster.
“In response to the January 2027 PSTN switch-off, our partnership with Telent and Ericsson is a critical step in providing our customers – particularly those in the emergency services – with a resilient, high-speed communication infrastructure. This collaboration ensures the UK’s emergency services responders will have the reliable, modern systems required to meet the demands of a fully digital future.”