PSTN – time is ticking for the UK

The switch-off will have a huge impact on UK businesses, preventing any further usage of analogue phone lines and older broadband connections, as well as services such as lift lines, EPOS systems, and CCTV cameras, which may come as a surprise to business owners unaware these services use PSTN lines.

M247 surveyed 500 UK-based IT decision makers and found that awareness of the switchoff is high – 77% of respondents are aware it is happening by 2025. However, a stop-sell is scheduled for September this year, which means businesses will be unable to place any new orders for PSTN services, or make significant changes to existing services. Despite awareness for the PSTN stop-sell being equally high (76%) – the vast majority have yet to take any action. Just over a quarter (29%) of businesses list the PSTN switch-off as a top priority – trailing behind issues such as growing cybersecurity threats (50%) and investment in cloud migration (47%).

The PSTN network is due to be fully deactivated by the end of 2025. That’s just about two and a half years away, so is the UK ready for the big switch-off?

According to a new survey, an overwhelming majority (88%) of UK businesses are still reliant on the public switched telephone network (PSTN) for essential services, such as analogue phone lines, broadband, alarm systems and CCTV cameras.

This is despite the imminent PSTN stop-sell (September 2023), which will see the sale of all new PSTN-related products halted immediately, followed by a full deactivation of the network by 31 December 2025.

Over half (51%) anticipate significant disruption if the network is switched off before they migrate to fibre alternatives

80% of respondents believe migration from PSTN services will take as long as six months to complete don’t

Hawke

Yet just over a quarter (29%) of businesses list the PSTN switch-off as a top priority to address, and the majority have yet to take any action ahead of 2023’s stop-sell

The findings are from a new survey commissioned by M247, which explores the current state of PSTN usage among UK businesses.

Of the businesses using the PSTN, a third (33%) have over 100 devices connected, with over half (51%) saying they would experience significant disruption if the network was switched off before they had migrated. 80% of respondents believe migration from PSTN services would take up to six months to complete and 23% believe the disruption caused by the switch-off would lead to a loss of business. This makes the fact that so many businesses are yet to make the switch ever more alarming.

Liz Hawke, Product Manager UC&C at M247, said: “The UK’s PSTN switch-off will mark a historic change for business communications and a major leap forward in the country’s adoption of digital technologies. However, despite widespread awareness of the fastapproaching switch-off, and the final stopsell which is a matter of months away, an overwhelming majority of UK businesses have failed to take action when it comes to migrating away from the network.”

She adds: “Time is ticking for UK businesses and the bottom line is simple. Migrating away from PSTN is an important step in the digital transformation process for businesses, and those that don’t act soon risk being left behind.”

The online research was conducted by Sapio Research in March 2023 using an email invitation and an online survey. The survey was conducted among 500 UK-based IT decision-makers and managers across all sectors responsible for, or heavily involved in, business IT connectivity and telephony.

Access control for new Paris media headquarters

For new headquarters in a Paris suburb, media company Canal+ specified a connected smart building to enable efficient, flexible working. The new access control solution for the Canal+ building filters access to and through all technical areas, for 1,200 employees plus

Video technology enables remote patient monitoring

As hospitals grapple with staff shortages, Milestone Systems has launched a remote patient monitoring technology that aims to assist healthcare workers and improve overall patient care.

It is estimated that by 2030, there will be a shortfall of 15 million healthcare professionals around the world. XProtect Hospital Assist is a video solution that allows medical staff to remotely observe multiple patients at once and respond to incidents quickly, easing the burden of some routine tasks.

visitors and contractors. No-compromise protection is required for multiple types of door, both internal openings and external or emergency exits.

All Assa Abloy devices installed at Canal+ integrate seamlessly with their Genetec platform. This integration gives employees the flexibility and convenience of carrying one multi-site credential. From an integrated Genetec control panel, administrators can issue, amend or withdraw access for individual users or rooms.

Aperio and Abloy locks connect with the smart building system to prevent unauthorised intrusion into sensitive areas.

Choosing the Aperio H100 Wireless Electronic Handle over wired locking devices contributed to improving energy efficiency. Like every Aperio lock, an H100 is fitted without wiring, which saves power during installation. The electronic handle works without mains power, consuming much less energy than a traditional wired door lock.

For an even higher level of security at external-facing doors, Abloy Electromechanical Locks are also fully integrated with the building’s Genetec system.

Rahul Yadav, Chief Technology Officer at Milestone Systems, said: “There is no doubt that the irreplaceable human touch of healthcare professionals is essential, and by integrating data-driven video technology into their daily routine, they can now be even further empowered.

“With the use of XProtect Hospital Assist, hospitals can improve patient care by offering an additional layer of support for the healthcare staff. With an extra set of eyes and ears in patient rooms, our solution enables rapid response to incidents, ensuring the highest quality of patient care. And by addressing critical staff shortages and streamlining efficiency, XProtect Hospital Assist paves the way for a better, safer, and more connected hospital environment worldwide.” www.psimagazine.co.uk

Built on the foundations of XProtect –Milestone’s open-platform video management software – XProtect Hospital Assist is designed for medical units treating patients who need round-the-clock or situational observation, such as people in intensive care and rehabilitation units.

Medical staff can use XProtect Hospital Assist to observe multiple critically ill patients at once and communicate with them. This reduces unnecessary room visits and offers a better use of staff resources. To ensure patient privacy, the technology is fitted with live video blurring.

ACCESS CONTROL

ASSA ABLOY

Portebello Works, School Street, Willenhall WV13 3PW United Kingdom

Tel: +1902 364500 info@abloy.co.uk www.assaabloy.com/uk/en

ACCESS CONTROL INNER RANGE

Units 10-11, Theale Lakes Business Park, Moulden Way, Sulhampstead, Reading, Berkshire RG7 4GB United Kingdom

Tel: +44 845 470 5000 ieurope@innerrange.co.uk www.innerrange.co.uk

ACCESS CONTROL

HID

3 Cae Gwyrold Green Meadow Springs CARDIFF CF157AB United Kingdom

Tel No: +44 29 2052 8500 emeamarketing@hidglobal.com www.hidglobal.com

ACCESS CONTROL INTEGRATED DESIGN LIMITED

Integrated Design Limited, Feltham Point, Air Park Way, Feltham, Middlesex. TW13 7EQ

Tel: +44 (0) 208 890 5550 sales@idl.co.uk www.fastlane-turnstiles.com

ACCESS CONTROL

RBH SECURITY GROUP LTD

F3 Enterprise way, Vale Business Park, Evesham, Worcs WR11 1GS

Tel 01386 425810 Sales.uk@rbh-access.com wwww.rbh-access.com

CUSTOM DESIGNED EQUIPMENT

Hoyles

• Indicator Panels

• Complex Door Interlocking

• Sequence Control

• Door Status Systems

• Panic Alarms

• Cell Call & Affray Systems

• Bespoke Products

HOYLES

Tel: +44 (0)1744 886600 • sales@hoyles.com • www.hoyles.com

DRIVING INNOVATION TO AN AIOT FUTURE

DAHUA TECHNOLOGY UK & IRELAND

Quantum, 60 Norden Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4AY

Tel: +44(0)1628 882210 sales.uk@dahuatech.com www.dahuasecurity.com/uk

CCTV HANWHA

Heriot House, Heriot Road, Chertsey, Surrey

KT16 9DT United Kingdom

Tel: +44 1932 578100 htesecurity@hanwha.com www.hanwha-security.eu

CCTV HIKVISION

4 The Square, Stockley Park, Uxbridge UB11 1ET United Kingdom

Tel: +44(0)1628 902 140 info.uk@hikvision.com www.hikvision.com

020 8295 8305 tracey.cole@proactivpubs.co.uk

YOU SEE. YOU CONTROL

PARTIZAN

Kresomyslova 384/17A, Nusle, 14000 Prague, Czech Republic

Tel: +420 608 496 889 www.partizan.global

BETTER SECURITY, BETTER WORLD ZHEJIANG UNIVIEW TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. global.uniview.com info.uki@uniview.com

ONE SOLUTION. ONE COMPANY IDIS GLOBAL

1000 Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 9HH

Tel: +44(0)203 657 5678 Email: uksales@idisglobal.com wwww.idisglobal.com

RISCO GROUP UK LTD

Unit 2, Blueberry Business Park, Kingsway, Rochdale OL16 5DB United Kingdom

Tel: +44 161 6555500 sales@riscogroup.co.uk www.riscogroup.com

AWARD-WINNING, LEADING GLOBAL WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTOR OF SECURITY & LOW VOLTAGE PRODUCTS

ADI GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION

Distributor of electronic security systems and solutions for over 250 leading manufacturers, the company also offers an internal technical support team, dedicated field support engineers along with a suite of training courses and services. ADI also offers a variety of fast, reliable delivery options, including specified time delivery, next day or collection from any one of 28 branches nationwide. Plus, with an ADI online account, installers can order up to 7pm for next day delivery.

Tel: 0161 767 2990 Fax: 0161 767 2999 sales.uk@adiglobal.com

DISTRIBUTION CCTVDIRECT

3 Scala Court, Leeds, Yorks LS10 1JD United Kingdom

Tel: +845 3701 999 sales@cctvdirect.co.uk www.cctvdirect.co.uk

DISTRIBUTION

DYNAMIC CCTV

9b / 9c Bowes Road, Riverside Park, Middlesbrough TS2 1LU United Kingdom

Tel: +441642 220166 sales@dynamic-cctv.com www.dynamic-cctv.com

DISTRIBUTION VIDECON LTD

Unit 1, Concept Business Park, Smithies Lane, Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire WF16 0PN United Kingdom

Tel: +44 1924 528000 sales@videcon.co.uk www.videcon.co.uk

STATE-OF-THE-ART WIRELESS SOLUTION INTRATONE UK

114 Power Road Studios, Chiswick, London W4 5PY

Intratone is a manufacturer and service provider of GSM door entry technology. Over the past 10 years Intratone has expanded its product portfolio to include a large range of video intercoms, proximity readers and digital noticeboards. Quick installation, no costly handsets, remote management via free cloud portal make our wireless system to a sustainable, real-time solution for all your accesses.

Tel: +44(0)208 0379012

Email: info@intratone.uk.com www.intratone.uk.com

SECURITY PRODUCTS AND INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS HONEYWELL COMMERCIAL SECURITY

Security You Can Trust

TEXECOM INTRUDER

Bradwood Court, St Crispin Way, Haslingden, Lancs BB4 4PW

Tel: +44(0)1706 212524 sales@texe.com www.texe.com

PLACING THE BEST CANDIDATES IN FIRE & SECURITY

Technical Resources Ltd

We lead in specialist recruitment for the Fire & Security, Telecoms, and M&E sectors. With over 20 years of trading, Technical Resources work with the best permanent and contract staff, helping our clients to deliver their services.

Whether it’s permanent, contract, or larger recruitment programs - we deliver the right candidates to our clients. To do this, we have a great team of hard-working recruiters who know that getting recruitment right the first time is key to the success of the businesses we serve and the professionals we find jobs for.

What makes us different? We reference check ALL our candidates.

The projects you have need to be delivered. So, we will only send you candidates that we have previously used or successfully referenced. This saves you crucial time and ensures successful project delivery.

Concerned about compliance? Quality and compliance is in our DNA. Compliance checks are a key part of our weekly processes. And we don’t stop after placing the candidates with you. We run weekly checks on all contractor timesheets and will check in with you and your contractor too.

Rivermead House, Hamm Moor Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 2SF

01932 837 777 info@tecres.uk.com www.technicalresources.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 844 8000 235 securitysales@honeywell.com

MANUFACTURER OF INTRUDER ALARM EQUIPMEN

HKC SECURITY LTD

James Hill Street, Littleborough

OL15 8AE

Tel: +44(0)1706 373560 Email: ukinfo@hkc.ie www.hkcsecurity.com

WORLD-LEADING MANUFACTURER OF ELECTRONIC SECURITY EQUIPMENT

PYRONIX LTD

Secure House, Braithwell Way, Hellaby, Rotherham, South Yorkshire S66 8QY

Tel: +44(0)1709 700 100 sales@pyronix.com www.pyronix.com

Secure Alarm Signalling

Bt Redcare

35+ years of experience in the fire and security industry. Protect homes and businesses with our Next Generation alarm signalling systems. From fast and affordable to best in the business, you can get every customer future ready for all-IP and the PSTN closure with our special offer and marketing toolkit. Simple to install with an OLED display and a choice of fixed IP and wifi connected options. Dual sim and roaming 4G for resilient wireless signalling. All with LPCB third party certification, 10 year guarantee and 24/7 support.

Tel: 0800 800 628

Email address: redcare@bt.com

Twitter: @BTRedcare

Website: www.redcare.bt.com

Secure Connectivity Providers

CSL GROUPWW

T: +44 (0)1895 474474 sales@csl-group.com

@CSLGroupLtd www.csl-group.com

Life Safety Equipment

C-TEC Challenge Way, Martland Park, Wigan

WN5 OLD United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 1942 322744 www.c-tec.com

SECURITY MADE SIMPLE.

Paxton Access Ltd

Paxton House, Home Farm Road, Brighton, BN1 9HU

With 37 years of experience, we design and manufacture market-leading security solutions for a range of buildings. Around 30,000 buildings are secured globally by Paxton products, every year. We utilise the latest technology to provide powerful, yet easy-to-install and use security solutions. Our products are designed for a wide range of sectors including education, healthcare, retail, leisure, commercial, the public sector and more. All our products are manufactured in the UK and are backed by our 5-year guarantee and hassle-free returns policy.

Tel: 01273 811080 support@paxton.co.uk www.paxton-access.com

FIRE & SECURITY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

INSTALLERPRO

PO Box 1288, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 9BQ enquiries@installerpro.co.uk www.installerpro.co.uk

InstallerPro is designed for UK Fire & Security companies. With InstallerPro you will never miss a job, visit, or invoice again. Our system helps keep your business on track and maintain your compliance to BS/ISO standards, SSAIB, NSI, BAFE & GateSafe. InstallerPro comes preloaded with all the tools you need to get working straight away, and because its cloud based, you can work from anywhere. Import your clients from your old software and get started with InstallerPro today.

YOUR CLOUD. YOUR WAY

SEAGATE STORAGE

60 Norden Road, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 4AY

+440208 7127 4477

Email: domenico.scordo@seagate.com www.seagate.com