AQW 24995/17-22


Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down


Tabled Date: 01/11/2021
Answered On Date: 12/11/2021
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline preparations in place for the Digital Switch Over when copper phone line networks will be switched off in 2025.


Answer:
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is a privately-owned telecoms network and the decision to upgrade it has been taken by the telecoms industry. Fixed-line operators - including Openreach and Virgin Media - will replace legacy, copper telephone services with VoIP technology, which carries voice calls over an internet connection. The upgrade will be delivered by industry in a phased approach over the next few years with the network expected to be fully upgraded to VoIP services in 2025. The industry’s decision to upgrade the PSTN is due to necessity, the network is increasingly unreliable and prone to failure, with some telecoms companies finding it impossible to source a certain replacement or spare part to maintain or repair connections.
PSTN’s replacement, VoIP technology, is expected to offer consumers clearer and better quality phone calls. In order to function correctly, VoIP requires a minimum stable connection speed of just 0.5Mbps, and for current landline-only customers, it will be possible to order a VoIP landline without purchasing a general internet connection. The process of upgrading for most consumers will involve unplugging their existing landline phone from the wall and instead plugging it into the back of their broadband router.
As the PSTN upgrade is an industry-led process, industry have the responsibility to ensure that all customers affected by the switch over are fully informed and aware of the impacts and alternative/ replacement services.
As telecommunications policy is a reserved matter, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) are leading on public communications around this issue, and along with Ofcom are working to ensure consumers and sectors are protected and prepared for the upgrade process. This includes close engagement with the emergency services.
You can find more information about the PSTN upgrade on Ofcom’s website at: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/latest/features-and-news/upgrading-landlines-to-digital-technology
In terms of preparations for the Northern Ireland Civil Service (as a PSTN customer), Digital Shared Services within the Department of Finance (DoF), are taking the lead on communicating to other NICS Departments, giving advice on suitable replacements to PSTN lines. This work is well advanced and will be completed before the Digital Switch Over date.