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The End of the PSTN in the US
As the technical world has evolved, so has the way we communicate. The gradual, global transition away from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is the most noticeable change in recent years. This begs the question, is the PSTN in the US headed towards a slow end as we transition into the digital era?
The Rise and Legacy of PSTN
The PSTN has been the primary means of voice communication in the US for decades; it has allowed businesses to make calls, connecting people like never before. However, as technology advances, these systems have become increasingly outdated.
The world is rapidly going digital, with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services and mobile communication becoming the norm. These technologies offer advanced features, cost savings, and greater flexibility than legacy PSTN networks. Maintaining the aging PSTN infrastructure has become increasingly expensive with repairs and upgrades being costly and complex as equipment degrades.
What the Future Holds
While the PSTN isn't experiencing an immediate shutdown in the US, it's clear that the future of telecommunications is digital. The UK has already begun their move to VoIP with “The Big Switch Off”. As of September 2023, businesses are no longer able to acquire PSTN and ISDN connections. This will be followed by the old technology being completely phased out and switched off by December 2025.
There is a consistent requirement for more efficient and affordable communication technologies and with traditional landlines getting older every day, they cannot keep up with the advances of modern-day technology. It’s a bittersweet goodbye to this legacy equipment; modernising these networks paves the way for future developments of communications leaving you with more flexibility, cost savings and advanced features that the PSTN could only dream of.
What to Consider
If you're still using traditional landline services, it may be time to consider your options. Here are a few things to think about:
- Do you wish to continue to use existing legacy systems?
- What is your plan for maintaining connectivity to current systems?
- Will you transfer existing phone numbers?
- How will you take advantage of the additional functionality and flexibility offered by more recent IP-based systems?
Innovative companies like Aculab are shaping the future of telecommunications. You won't be required to replace your current systems since Aculab offers the GIII gateway, which is optimised for SS7 to SIP interworking. It expands user access to apps, facilitates VoIP and TDM migration, and enhances current core network infrastructure due to its capacity of up to 32 T1s. GIII is the solution to help your business prepare for the next generation of telephony networking, without having to get rid of your outdated hardware.
Alternatively, we offer an enterprise gateway with up to 4 T1s called ApplianX. It provides supplemental services between SIP and QSIG, as well as supporting NI2 and a wide number of CAS variants, allowing your business to bridge between various TDM and IP systems.
In Conclusion
Although the PSTN is not undergoing an immediate shutdown in the United States, its role in modern communications is shrinking. The future of technology is fast evolving and it is important to embrace these new technologies before it's suddenly too late. By understanding the process and preparing ahead of time, businesses can seamlessly transition to VoIP and continue to enjoy reliable and innovative communication services.
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