2025: The Big Switch Off

Overview

What is the All-IP future?

The All-IP network is the future of communications for all UK businesses. New Single Order (data only) connectivity and hosted voice solutions will replace all broadband and voice products that currently run over the traditional copper telephone network as we move from an analogue, telephony-led approach to a digital-based, connectivity-first future. Why are we transitioning to All-IP? In 2018, Openreach announced that they would be retiring the PSTN and ISDN network in 2025, meaning users need to transition to a future-proof replacement product before the deadline. The PSTN is the copper network that was originally built to support voice communications via landline and was later adapted to support broadband connections such as ADSL and FTTC. This infrastructure is now degrading and has become expensive to maintain, which has driven costs up. The old technology is no longer able to support the constantly growing demand for data, which is why the industry is driving digital transformation, making sure all businesses and consumers alike have access to faster, more reliable solutions

Explainer

Why are we transitioning to All-IP?

In 2018, Openreach announced that they would be retiring the PSTN and ISDN network in 2025, meaning users need to transition to a future-proof replacement product before the deadline. The PSTN is the copper network that was originally built to support voice communications via landline and was later adapted to support broadband connections such as ADSL and FTTC. This infrastructure is now degrading and has become expensive to maintain, which has driven costs up. The old technology is no longer able to support the constantly growing demand for data, which is why the industry is driving digital transformation, making sure all businesses and consumers alike have access to faster, more reliable solutions.

Introducing the new All-IP solutions :

The switch off of the traditional copper network affects more than voice. Although the PSTN and ISDN were initially built to support voice services, they also provide the underlying technology that supports ADSL and FTTC broadband solutions. As a result, providers have created new solutions to replace traditional products, providing alternative technologies that are faster, more reliable and future-proof

SOGEA

SOGEA: Data-only connection

Single Order Generic Ethernet Access, or SOGEA as it is more commonly known, is a data-only broadband solution provisioned on a single order. This means it doesn’t rely on a phone line like traditional broadband solutions, resulting in a single access charge rather than line rental + broadband. Those users who do require a voice solution will need an Over The Top (OTT) service, such as VoIP. Using a fibre connection from the exchange to the streetside cabinet, and a newly adapted copper line from the cabinet to the premises, SOGEA offers download speeds of up to 80Mbps and upload speeds of up to 20Mbps. SOGEA is the most widely available Single Order broadband solution reaching over 28.5 million premises in May 2021.

FTTP

FTTP: Ultrafast full fibre

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) is a full fibre solution that uses fibre optic cables, instead of copper lines, all the way from the exchange through to the end user premises. FTTP can offer speeds of up to 1Gbps and is the ultimate future-proof broadband solution, available to 6 million premises in the UK. Providers are currently working hard to expand their coverage with Openreach pledging to reach 25 million premises by 2026. Like SOGEA, FTTP is a Single Order broadband product, meaning there is no line rental required and the broadband connection supports the optional OTT voice solution.